Grain size, density, and mechanical properties of alumina batch-processed in a single-mode microwave cavity

Four different microwave cavity modes, namely, TM111, TE112, TE113, and TM013, were used to sinter alumina powder compacts in a batch process using a cylindrical single-mode microwave cavity. The grain size, mass density, hardness, and fracture toughness of the final densified products were examined in terms of (i) the position of the specimen within the microwave casket and (ii) the Cavity mode.