Role of particle size in microwave processing of metallic material systems

ABSTRACT

Processing of metallic materials using microwave energy has been a challenge. However, exploiting the size factor of particles in these candidate materials opened up further opportunities. The amount of heat evolved inside a particle per unit volume primarily depends upon its size, shape, electromagnetic and thermal properties. Finer particles can potentially absorb more microwave energy than coarser units and get heated rapidly with higher uniformity. It results in better properties in the processed part and energy economy. This work reviews the relevant literature and summarises fundamentals of microwave heating of metallic materials. Roles of particle size in processing these materials have been discussed. Challenges in microwave processing of finer metallic particles have been identified; opportunities for future research are outlined.

KEYWORDS:

• Microwave–material interaction
• size effect
• metallic materials
• composite
• heating uniformity
• sintering
• joining
• cladding

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the help provided by Mr Dhirendra Gamit, Assistant Professor, in Production Engineering Department of Government Engineering College, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364001, for the collection of some data in the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.