Processing of Composite Materials Using Microwave Energy

Abstract

Composite materials are being popularly used in the fabrication of various industrial components. Most of the manufacturing techniques used for developing parts involve the interaction of heat with the constituent materials through heat transfer. Such processing methods result in non-uniform heating of materials; subsequently, various defects are incurred in the developed products. The use of microwave energy while developing composite materials may overcome these challenges as it offers volumetric and rapid heating and significant saving of time and energy. The present chapter summarizes various fundamentals of microwave-material interaction and heating of different composite materials during microwave processing. Heating mechanisms involved in processing composites such as metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and polymer matrix composites have been discussed. Challenges in the processing of composite materials have been highlighted, and further research directions have been outlined.