Measuring internal temperature profiles in microwave-heated ceramic powder compacts

Summary form only given. Experimental evidence has been reported by various groups indicating that microwave heating can accelerate the sintering of ceramic powder compacts in comparison with conventional furnace heating. At least one physical phenomenon-a nonlinear ponderomotive force-has been identified as a candidate explanation for these observations. However, the subject still remains controversial, including challenges for reliable measurement of internal temperature profiles of microwave-heated ceramic bodies. We will describe a method for non-perturbing, in-situ measurement of internal temperature profiles in microwave-heated ceramic powder compacts based on localized spinel-formation reactions within a sintering alumina compact.