Microwave sintering of ceramics: what does it offer?

Microwave heating is fundamentally different from conventional sintering in that the energy is deposited volumetrically rather than relying on thermal conduction from the surface. Properly manipulated this may lead to a number of benefits, including greater microstructural control, improved product properties and reductions in manufacturing costs due to energy savings and shorter processing times. This paper seeks to review some of the opportunities and challenges that exist when microwaves are applied to the process of ceramic sintering.