Magnetic coatings were synthesized in situ on the surface of tetrapod ZnO-whiskers (ZnOws) via a Fe-containing polymer precursor derived method. Raw ZnOws were dispersed in polymer solution prepared from FeCl3 modified polymethylsilane. Then the dispersion was solidified and cured. When the curing temperature was high enough, the polymer to inorganic conversion occurred, and ZnOws with magnetic coatings were obtained. Results of scanning electron microscopy, energy diffraction of X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction proved that magnetic ZnOw maintains a tetrapod morphology and Fe has been introduced on the surface of ZnOw. The appropriate pyrolysis temperature is above 800 degrees C. A study of the electromagnetic parameters of the composite powder proved that mu '' is between 0.1 and 0.3. The material has radar-absorbing properties. At a thickness of 2.6 mm, the calculated maximum reflection loss for the absorber is about -9.2 dB at 2-8 GHz. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.