Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R52442/01
Title:	Determination of the Physical Basis Behind the Microwave Effect
Principal Investigator:	Cross, Dr TE
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Sch of Electrical and Electronic Eng
Organisation:	University of Nottingham
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	29 April 2002	Ends:	28 April 2005	Value (£):	64,891
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing Construction
Related Grants:	GR/R52435/01 GR/R52459/01
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Many investigators have reported unexpected effects resulting from the use of microwave radiation during the processing of materials, e.g. lowered processing temperatures and shorter times. It is now generally accepted that a 'microwave effect' exists - however the precise nature, origins and magnitude are far less well established. The proposed research will begin by determining precisely how accurate temperature measurements are within a microwave environment, this will provide confidence in the subsequent results. The work will then use carefully designed densification, grain growth and diffusion experiments to reveal the dependence of the microwave effect on a range of variables, e.g. degree of microwave absorption, diffusion mechanism, electric field intensity, magnitude of the inverse temperature profile, heating rate, material chemistry and the presence of grain boundaries. Simultaneously, dielectric measurements made as a function of broad frequency and temperature ranges will reveal the operative microwave heating mechanisms in a range of ceramic materials as a function of temperature, frequency and material chemistry. Correlation of the two sets of data will allow an understanding to be developed of the consequences of the microwave effect on the diffusional processes occurring. This will allow practical use to be made of the microwave effect in terms of designing it into new and existing microwave processing routes for the first time.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website:	http://www.nottingham.ac.uk