A model for microwave processing of compositionally changing ceramic systems

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Abstract
A finite-difference model was used to simulate the temperature and composition distributions produced inside a specimen heated with microwave energy during a process involving a change in composition. The dielectric properties of the specimen change with composition, resulting in nonuniform microwave power absorption and steady-state temperature gradients. When the specimen becomes less lossy as it reacts, or if the changes in the microwave heating properties are gradual, the reaction proceeds relatively uniformly and the volumetric microwave heating creates an inside-out reaction profile leading to increased conversions for processes such as reaction bonding and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). If the specimen becomes more lossy as it reacts, then the reaction proceeds nonuniformly with rapid reaction rates in the hottest parts of the specimen and little or no reaction in the cooler areas. The process may then occur as a reaction front which moves along the specimen, as with combustion synthesis. This type of processing has potential advantages and disadvantages depending on the system.