抄録
Self-consistent isothermal barriers are introduced to sinter ceramics using 2.45GHz microwave as heat source. To design a high temperature industrial kiln using microwave, characteristics of heat generation by microwave is studied in fired products and lining materials. By selecting the lining materials which show equivalent or little high heat generation comparing with the products, and good insulation, the kiln structure was developed to utilize the microwaves to the full. The microwave kiln introducing self-consistent isothermal barriers shows less temperature gradient in a product than conventional electric kiln firing, because it can heat the products internally and externally. Accordingly, microwave can shorten the firing period especially in large-sized products without cracking. The fired products using microwave at 50oC lower than the conventional firing show the equivalent density and microstructure. Their texture becomes uniform and the strength is improved. Thus, the energy cost of microwave firing becomes one half of the conventional firing.
