Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/5145

Title

Applications of fixed and variable frequency microwave (VFM) facilities in polymeric materials processing and joining

Author(s)

Ku, Harry S.;  Siu, Frederick;  Siores, Elias;  Ball, Jim A.;  Blicblau, Aaron S.

Abstract

Microwave processing of materials is a relatively new technology advancement alternative that provides new approaches for enhancing material properties as well as economic advantages through energy savings and accelerated product development. Factors that hinder the use of microwaves in materials processing are declining, so that prospect for the development of this technology seem to be very promising [Ceram. Bull. 68 (2) (1989) 376]. The two mechanisms of orientation polarisation and interfacial space charge polarisation, together with DC conductivity, form the basis of high frequency heating. Clearly, advantages in utilising microwave technologies for processing materials include penetrating radiation, controlled electric field distribution and selective and volumetric heating. However, the most commonly used facilities for microwave processing materials are of fixed frequency, e.g. 2.45 GHz. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of microwave technologies, processing methods and industrial applications, using variable frequency microwave (VFM) facilities. This is a new alternative for microwave processing. The technique is geared towards advanced materials processing and chemical synthesis. It offers rapid, uniform and selective heating over a large volume at a high energy coupling efficiency. This is accomplished using a preselected bandwidth sweeping around a central frequency employing frequency agile sources such as travelling wave tubes as the microwave power amplifier. Selective heating of complex samples and industrial scale-up are now viable. During VFM processing, a given frequency of microwaves would only be launched for less than 1 ms.

Publication type

Journal article

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. Industrial Research Institute Swinburne

Source

Journal of Materials Processing Technology, Vol. 113, no. 1-3 (25 June 2001 through 25 June 2001 2001), p. 184-188

Publication year

2001

Keyword(s)

Bulk heating and penetrating radiation;  Characterisation;  Fibre reinforced thermoplastic matrix composite materials;  Variable frequency microwave (VFM) facilities;  Electric field effects;  Microwave heating;  Thermoplastics;  Variable frequency microwave (VFM);  Fiber reinforced plastics

Publisher

Elsevier Science Inc.

Format

184-188

ISSN

0924-0136

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0924-0136(01)00642-2

Copyright

Copyright © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Peer reviewed