biostudies-literatureTan RPriority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaDefense Industrial Technology Development ProgramNational Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)1904https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12923583biostudies-literatureUnknown17(1)The rigidity of conventional microwave absorbers impedes their reliable integration with complex curved surfaces and deformable components. However, these capabilities remain indispensable for electromagnetic stealth and miniaturized electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) applications that rely on advanced conformal wave-manipulation. To overcome these challenges, we present a chainmail-inspired conformal and switchable microwave metamaterial absorber, conveniently fabricated via 3D printing. The structure exhibits a broadband effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) from 6.2 to 17.6 GHz, while its interlocking topological design enables curvature adaptation without deformation of the absorbing parts. After conformal shaping, the average absorptivity decreases by only 0.049, demonstrating markedlNature communicationsChainmail-inspired conformable and switchable microwave metamaterial absorber.PMC1292358362371222Chen PTan RZhou JfalseChainmail-inspired conformable and switchable microwave metamaterial absorber.The rigidity of conventional microwave absorbers impedes their reliable integration with complex curved surfaces and deformable components. However, these capabilities remain indispensable for electromagnetic stealth and miniaturized electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) applications that rely on advanced conformal wave-manipulation. To overcome these challenges, we present a chainmail-inspired conformal and switchable microwave metamaterial absorber, conveniently fabricated via 3D printing. The structure exhibits a broadband effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) from 6.2 to 17.6 GHz, while its interlocking topological design enables curvature adaptation without deformation of the absorbing parts. After conformal shaping, the average absorptivity decreases by only 0.049, demonstrating markedl2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Jan2026-07-16T14:52:08.156Z2026-07-09T11:02:58.657ZS-EPMC129235834155905810.1038/s41467-026-68694-9