Microwave assisted processing of ceramics

Abstract

Microwave heating can provide cost and time effective processing routes for ceramic systems. Microwave heating assisted drying of green compacts, low temperature sintering of certain oxides, and partial or complete nitridization, carburization or reduction of hemi-oxides have been attempted recently. Using a multi-mode microwave cavity, we were able to reduce MeOx (where Me = Cu and Ag) to their sub-oxides or base metal at close to room temperature within minutes. The product sub-oxides or metals were identified and characterized for their crystallinity and phase purity. The results suggest that the microwave heating can provide an alternative, cost effective route for alloying for certain metals. The criteria for effectiveness of microwave heating and the coupling between the materials and the electromagnetic wave are discussed.