Microwave hybrid fast sintering of porcelain bodies

Microwave heating offers many advantages over conventional heating methods, such as saving energy, very rapid heating rates and considerably reduced processing times. However, few studies have used microwave energy to sinter traditional ceramics. Thus, the aim of this work is microwave hybrid fast sintering of porcelain bodies. Bodies of sanitary ware, dental and electrical porcelain were sintered quickly. The control of the heating cycle was the main factor in achieving success in microwave hybrid fast sintering of porcelain bodies. Heating cycles lower than 60 min with soaking times ranging from 8 to 19 min were used for the sintering of the porcelain bodies. The modulus of rupture of the microwave-sintered sanitary ware and electrical porcelain bodies were similar to those of conventionally sintered samples, despite the short sintering cycle. The modulus of rupture of the microwave-sintered dental porcelain bodies was higher than those of the conventional sintered samples.