Microwave Processing of Ceramics - An Overview

Abstract

ABSTRACTDuring the past decade, many exploratory studies and experiments have been performed on the microwave heating and processing of ceramics and composite materials. Much of this effort was stimulated by the unique and potential benefits that microwave energy can provide over conventional processing methods. While microwave processing of ceramics is still in an early developmental stage, there are many areas yet to be explored, challenges to be met, and economic and commercial payoffs to be substantiated.Since the first MRS International Symposium on Microwave Processing in 1988, interest in this field has grown and many new developments have occurred. The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the recent advances, to discuss the current state-of-the-art, and to suggest some future directions.