Carbon-coated Sn nanorods have been synthesized by an arc-discharge method. The Sn/C-paraffin composite shows excellent electromagnetic (EM) absorption properties. Reflection losses exceeding -20 dB can be realized in any interval within the 2-18 GHz range by choosing an appropriate thickness of the absorbent layer between 1.5 and 9 mm. The EM-wave absorption properties of nanocomposite materials are illustrated in detail by means of an absorption-tube-map. The carbon-coated Sn nanorods are attractive candidates for EM-wave absorption, which significantly enriches the family of EM-wave nanoabsorbents. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.