Microwave industrial applications in the ceramic field

The industrial applications of microwaves in the ceramics field are described. Microwaves greatly contribute to heat transfer in large formed shapes, speed up the entire manufacturing process, and offer the possibility of creating novel microstructures. Uses include the synthesis of ultrafine powders; drying; debinding; slip casting; sol-gel process; joining; sintering; CVD; and coating. It is shown that microwaves offer the possibility of very fast manufacturing cycles, lower production costs, decreased power consumption, obtaining new products or improving the quality of existing ones, and increasing the efficiency and productivity of processes. Most of the benefits of microwaves are derived, however, only after careful experimental laboratory work, and preliminary cost-benefit analysis is always uncertain due to the difficulties inherent in extrapolating to the industrial scale. The use of hybrid systems can help in this respect. The advantages of a well-designed microwave system are noted. 17 refs.