CB-3

In microwave processing the combination of specific features such as volumetric heating, ultra-rapid heating, temperature/time profiles not readily available with conventional techniques as well as non thermal microwave effects that enhance mass transport, may result in faster reaction kinetics and densification rates, decreased sintering temperatures and finer and better controlled microstructures. The technique is being applied to an increasing number of systems paralleling the progress gained in a more fundamental and quantitative understanding of the mechanisms of microwave-materials interactions, in the efficient control of the process and in the advances in manufacturing techniques and equipment.
 
Suggested session topics:

• Advances in the understanding of microwave-materials interaction
• Dielectric properties measurement
• Temperature control during microwave processing, non contact temperature sensing systems
• Microwave assisted synthesis, deposition processes, melting, joining, surface sealing
• Microwave sintering of oxide and non-oxide ceramics, and composites
• New theories, and modelling of materials and processes
• Structural and functional characterisation of materials
• Advances in production techniques (hybrid heating, sintering in inert atmosphere..)
• Scale-up of microwave processing and application