Method and device for microwave sintering large ceramic articles

摘要: A microwave sintering system and method are provided for extremely uniform of large and/or irregular shaped ceramic articles at frequencies least 28 GHz in the hundreds kilowatts power range an untuned cavity. GHz, 200 kw gyrotron with variable output is used as source connected to cavity formed electrically conductive housing through overmoded waveguide arrangement which acts conjunction a mode promoter within achieve unexpected field uniformity. The part be sintered placed supported on removable high temperature table central location surrounded by transparent bulk insulating material reduce thermal heat loss surfaces maintain more temperature. may operated vacuum aid preventing arcing. allows controlled increased heating rates greater than 200° C./min provide rapid selected where it maintained regulating applied part. As result heating, extent non-isothermal processes such segregation impurities grain boundaries minimized exaggerated growth reduced, thereby strengthening mechanical properties being sintered.