Processing materials with microwave energy

Microwave energy (microwave frequency, in this case, includes radio frequencies and ranges from 0.3 MHz to 300 GHz) is being developed as a new tool for high-temperature processing of materials. Examples of the advantages associated with microwave processing include: rapid and uniform heating; decreased sintering temperatures; improved physical and mechanical properties; and, unique properties which are not observed in conventional processes. These advantages observed in materials processed using microwave energy are being attributed to ‘microwave effects’ which are particular to this technology. Researchers at the University of Florida are working to identify and to qualitatively and quantitatively define the mechanisms of microwave–material interactions. A new model has been developed based on the molecular orbital model which predicts the behavior of specific pure materials in a microwave field. Experimental work as well as dielectric property measurements confirm the accuracy of this model in specific cases.