Microwave Processing and Ultrafast Sintering of Ceramics

This research focuses on employing high-frequency microwave radiation to elevate the temperature of materials through dielectric heating. The energy delivered via microwave radiation is primarily used to sinter ceramic materials with potential applications in energy generation and conversion devices, such as electrochemical cells and fuel cells. Experiments are conducted to study the effects of ultrafast sintering on key physical properties, including densification, porosity, microstructure, curvature, and electrochemical performance in materials like YSZ, NiO, LSCF, and GDC. Additionally, this research extends to analogous studies using Joule heating through a technique known as Ultra-Fast High-Temperature Sintering (UHS). In this method, a carbon fiber is heated by passing an electric current through it, with the generated heat—via radiation and conduction—being utilized to examine the impact of this processing technique on the aforementioned materials and properties, complementing the understanding gained from microwave-assisted rapid sintering.