Microwave combustion synthesis and sintering of intermetallics and alloys

The preparation of intermetallics and alloys by combustion synthesis and sintering using microwave energy was studied. In microwave processes, the heat is generated internally through material-microwave interaction instead of originating from an external heating source. This internal volumetric heating results in an energy diffusion. The microwave coupling efficiency of metals is greatly increased by increasing the temperature of the sample. Once the material is heated to a critical temperature, enhanced microwave absorption becomes sufficient to cause self-heating and the susceptors can be removed. As the temperature of material increases, the absorption of microwave energy by the material also increases.