MULLITIZATION AND DENSIFICATION OF (3AL(2)O(3)+2SIO(2)) POWDER COMPACTS BY MICROWAVE SINTERING

Reaction sintering of (3Al(2)O(3) + 2SiO(2)) powder compacts was studi ed using either a conventional electric furnace or a 2.45 GHz microwav e furnace. Special attention was paid to temperature measurement withi n the microwave furnace. The reality of a microwave effect that accele rates the kinetics and therefore, decreases the temperatures of mullit ization and densification, remains uncertain. In any case, such an eff ect does not exceed approximate to 50 degrees C, which is in the order of the temperature gradient between the core and the surface of micro wave heated specimens.