Aluminum and Activated Alumina Powder Additions on Microwave Synthesis of Al_(4)SiC_(4)

Aiming at improving the properties of magnesia carbon materials,silicon aluminum carbide(Al_(4)SiC_(4))containing materials were prepared using industrial aluminum powder,silicon carbide powder,and graphite as raw materials,and activated alumina powder as an additive,mixing thoroughly,pressing into cylinders and then firing at 1200℃for 30 min in a carbon embedded atmosphere by the microwave method.The effects of the aluminum powder addition(20%and 24%,by mass)and activated alumina powder addition(0,3%,5%and 7%,by mass)on the microwave synthesis of Al_(4)SiC_(4) as well as the effect of the obtained Al_(4)SiC_(4) containing material on the properties of magnesia carbon bricks were studied.The results show that:compared with the samples with 20%aluminum powder,those with 24%aluminum powder generate more Al_(4)SiC_(4).With the activated alumina powder addition increasing from 0 to 7%,the amount of Al_(4)SiC_(4) generated increases first and then decreases.Compared with the sample without activated alumina powder,the samples with activated alumina powder show lower bulk density and higher apparent porosity.With the activated alumina powder addition increasing from 3%to 7%,the bulk density of the samples increases first and then decreases,while the apparent porosity of the samples shows an opposite trend.The optimal additions are 24%aluminum powder and 5%activated alumina powder,and Al_(4)SiC_(4) synthesized in this sample has a hexagonal plate structure.With the synthesized Al_(4)SiC_(4) containing material added,the magnesia carbon brick has slightly increased cold modulus of rupture,basically the same modulus of elasticity and improved oxidation resistance.

Synthesis of (Ca, Mg)-α′-Sialon-AlN-BN powders from boron-rich blast furnace slag by microwave carbothermal reduction-nitridation

(Ca, Mg)-α′-Sialon-AlN-BN powders were synthesized by the carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CRN) method using boron-rich slag, one of the intermediate products from pyrometallurgy separation of pageit, as the staring material. The influences of synthesis temperature and holding time on the phase composition and microstructure during the microwave CRN were studied by XRD, SEM and EDS. The comparison between two heating techniques, conventional and microwave heating, on the synthesized powder was presented as well. The experimental results revealed that the phase compositions and microstructures of the synthesized products were greatly affected by the synthesis temperature and holding time. With an increase in the synthesis temperature or holding time, the relative amount of α′-Sialon increased and α′-Sialon became the main crystalline phase at 1400 °C for 6 h. The synthesized products also contained AlN, BN and a small amount of β-SiC. Elongated α′-Sialon grains, short rod AlN grains, aggregate nanoscale BN grains were observed in the synthesized powders. The reaction temperature of microwave heating method was reduced by 80 °C, the reaction time was shortened by 2 h, and more elongated α′-Sialon grains with large aspect ratio were observed.

Electromagnetic and microwave absorbing properties of FeCoB powder composites

The electromagnetic and microwave absorbing properties of FeCoB powder composites prepared by sin- gle-roller melt-spinning and mechanical milling processes were investigated in this paper. The result indicates that the flake-like powders are obtained. As milling time increases, the flake-like powder particles tend to agglomerate, causing the flake-like powders decrease gradually. The milling time plays an important role in the electromagnetic parameters which relates to the shape and size of the powder particles. The calculation shows that the sample milled for 6 h could achieve an optimal reflection loss of -11.5 dB at 5.8 GHz, with mass fraction of 83 % and a matching thickness of 1.8 mm. The result also indicates that the microwave absorbing properties of the FeCoB powder composites are adjustable by changing their thickness, and can be applied as a thinner microwave absorbing material in the range of 2-8 GHz.

Properties, Phases and Microstructure of Microwave Sintered W-20Cu Composites from Spray Pyrolysis-continuous Reduction Processed Powders

The effects of microwave sintering on the properties, phases and microstructure of W-2OCu alloy, using composite powder fabricated by spray pyrolysis-continuous reduction technology, were investigated. Compared with the conventional hot-press sintering, microwave sintering to W-2OCu composites could be achieved with lower sintering temperature and shorter sintering time. Furthermore, microwave sintered W-Cu composites with high densification, homogenous microstructure and excellent properties were obtained. Microwave sintering could also result in finer microstructures. ：~

Process−microstructure−properties relationship in Al−CNTs−Al2O3 nanocomposites manufactured by hybrid powder metallurgy and microwave sintering process

Al−2CNTs−xAl2O3 nanocomposites were manufactured by a hybrid powder metallurgy and microwave sintering process.The correlation between process-induced microstructural features and the material properties including physical and mechanical properties as well as ultrasonic parameters was measured.It was found that physical properties including densification and physical dimensional changes were closely associated with the morphology and particle size of nanocomposite powders.The maximum density was obtained by extensive particle refinement at milling time longer than 8 h and Al2O3 content of 10 wt.%.Mechanical properties were controlled by Al2O3 content,dispersion of nano reinforcements and grain size.The optimum hardness and strength properties were achieved through incorporation of 10 wt.%Al2O3 and homogenous dispersion of CNTs and Al2O3 nanoparticles(NPs)at 12 h of milling which resulted in the formation of high density of dislocations and extensive grain size refinement.Also both longitudinal and shear velocities and attenuation increase linearly by increasing Al2O3 content and milling time.The variation of ultrasonic velocity and attenuation was attributed to the degree of dispersion of CNTs and Al2O3 and also less inter-particle spacing in the matrix.The larger Al2O3 content and more homogenous dispersion of CNTs and Al2O3 NPs at longer milling time exerted higher velocity and attenuation of ultrasonic wave.

Preparation of NiO Powder by Decomposition of Basic Nickel Carbonate with Indirect Microwave Heating

Nickel oxide (NiO) powder is prepared by decomposition of basic nickel carbonate (mNiCO3.nNi(OH)2.xH2O) (BNC) in microwave field with silicon carbide (SiC) as an indirect heating medium. The decomposition proceeds stage by stage: firstly BNC removes its crystal water with the heat provided by BNC itself and SiC which absorb microwave energy,then removes CO2 and H2O from the anhydride (mNiCO3 .nNi(OH)2) and begins to produce NiO with the heat provided by SiC, and finally decomposes into NiO powder completely with the heat provided by the produced NiO which absorbs microwave energy strongly. In the microwave irradiation process, the decomposition of BNC can be accelerated by increasing the amount of BNC, the amount of SiC and the microwave field power. The size of the NiO granule is about 18ourn when the size of BNC used is about 15ourn.

Application of Microwave Melting for the Recovery of Tin Powder

The present work explores the application of microwave heating for the melting of powdered tin. The mor- phology and particle size of powdered tin prepared by the centrifugal atomization method were charac- terized. The tin particles were uniform and spherical in shape, with 90% of the particles in the size range of 38-75μm. The microwave absorption characteristic of the tin powder was assessed by an estimation of the dielectric properties. Microwave penetration was found to have good volumetric heating on powdered tin. Conduction losses were the main loss mechanisms for powdered tin by microwave heating at temperatures above 150 ℃. A 20 kW commercial-scale microwave tin-melting unit was designed, developed, and utilized for production. This unit achieved a heating rate that was at least 10 times higher than those of conventional methods, as well as a far shorter melting duration. The results suggest that microwave heating accelerates the heating rate and shortens the melting time. Tin recovery rate was 97.79%, with a slag ratio of only 1.65% and other losses accounting for less than 0.56%. The unit energy consumption was only 0.17 （kW·h）·kg-1- far lower than the energy required by conventional melting methods. Thus, the microwave melting process improved heating efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

A novel method for measuring the moisture content of coal powder by microwave resonator

A novel technique for the quick measurement moisture content of coal powder by microwave was studied. The effects of the various moisture contents on the measurement results were also discussed. The experimental results show that the standard deviation is less than 0.36% when the moisture content of coal powder is 0.74%-16.90% and the standard deviation is less than 0.16% when the moisture content is 0.31%-1.49%. The experimental results indicate that a process of quick measurement moisture content of coal powder by microwave is practical.

Effect of Sulfate Ions on YAG Powders Synthesized by Microwave Homogeneous Precipitation

Using A1(NO3)3·9H2O, NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O, Y(NO3)3as mother salts, and urea as precipitant, YAG nano-powders were synthesized by microwave homogeneous precipitation. The composition, morphology, and phase transformation of precursor were analyzed by IR, XRD and TEM. The size distribution of YAG powders was characterized using laser diffraction method. The results show that sulfate ions influence the dispersion, composition and morphology of the YAG precursors. The addition of moderate sulfate ions can produce YAG powders with nano size and excellent dispersion at 1100℃.

ITO nano-powders prepared by microwave-assisted co-precipitation in aqueous phase

By using microwave-assisted co-precipitation in aqueous phase, adding surface activation agent PEG-6000 into the mixture of InCl3 solution and SnCl4 solution, and dropping the ammonia solution with the density (volume ratio) of 1-0 to 1-4, ITO precursor was prepared at different reaction system temperatures of 35 ℃-85 ℃, then ITO nano-powder was obtained after it was calcinated at 800 ℃ for 1 h. The morphology of ITO nano-powder was characterized by SEM and its electrical conductivity was determined by conductivity meter. The effects of different temperatures and ammonia concentration in microwave-assisted reaction system on its morphology and electric conductivity were discussed. The experimental results indicate that with the dilution of the ammonia solution or the rise of reacting system temperature, the morphology of ITO particles is transformed from spherical to rod-like one with the decline of its electric conductivity. And the electric conductivity of ITO nano-powders with spherical morphology is higher than that of ITO nano-powders with rod-like morphology.

Synthesis of LaF_3 superfine powder by microwave heating method

LaF3 superfine powder was synthesized from La（CH3COO）3 and NH4F by micro wave heating method,using ethanol or pure water as dispersants respectively. Th e results of XRD and SEM indicate that the superfine powder has high purity,reg ular particle shape and narrow distribution of granularity. The granularity of t he best sample is in the range of 100200 nm.The influence of different dispersants on the crystal degree and microstructure was discussed. After the su perfine powder was formed into a slice at pressure of 2560 MPa,its ele ctrochemical impedance spectroscopy was tested by electrochemical impedance spec troscopy（EIS） measurement. The result shows that the grain refining of LaF3 po wder increases its ionic conductivity. Compared with traditional preparation met hods of LaF3 powder,the advantages of microwave heating method were summarize d.

Hypolipidemic Activity of Microwave-Dehydrated Mango (<i>Mangifera indica</i>L.) Powder in Mice Fed a Hypercholesterolemic Diet

The effect of dietary supplementation with mango (Mangifera indica L.) powder obtained by microwave dehydration was studied in normal and hypercholesterolemic mice. The phenolic profiles in methanolic extracts and antioxidant activities were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assays, respectively. The total phenolic content of microwave-dehydrated mango powder was 1451.7 ± 26.7 μggallic acid equivalents/g dry weight. The main phenolic compounds identified were gallic acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid, and catechin. The anti-oxidant activity was 14.6% higher in microwave-dehydrated mango powder than in conventional mango powder. Mice were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (1 g cholesterol/100g over 7 days). The hypercholesterolemic mice whose diets were supplemented with microwave-dehydrated mango powder showed a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in total serum cholesterol compared to the hypercholesterolemic mice and the mice fed with conventional dehydrated mango powder. We observed a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in HDL-c levels in the microwave-dehydrated mango powder group mice (12.4 ± 1.3 mmol/L) compared to the hypercholesterolemic group (8.6 ± 1.4 mmol/L) and the conventional-dehydrated mango powder group (10.9 ± 1.3 mmol/L). The mice provided with microwave-dehydrated mango powder had significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) levels of serum LDL-c (36.0%) and total cholesterol (43.3%) compared to the mice in hypercholesterolemic group. Notably, the atherogenic index was 72% lower in the microwave-dehydrated mango powder group compared to the hypercholesterolemic group. These results suggest that the biocompounds, such as polyphenols and dietary fiber, found in mango pulp might improve the lipid profile in mice fed a hypercholesterolemic diet.

Preparation and microwave absorption properties of flexible composites containing Ag decorated polystyrene powders

Polystyrene(PS)microspheres have the advantages of good stability,corrosion resistance and low density,which have a broad application prospect.In this paper,PS composite microspheres with 20%silver plating content were prepared by chemical plating method and incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)flexible matrix to prepare Ag@PS/PDMS flexible wave-absorbing materials.The electromagnetic parameters were adjusted to optimize the dielectric and wave-absorbing properties by varying the additional amount of Ag@PS composite microspheres in Ag@PS/PDMS composites.The X-ray diffraction(XRD)results proved the successful preparation of Ag@PS composite microspheres.The SEM and EDS images indicated that the Ag particles were attached to the external surface of PS.The presence of Ag particles in the Ag@PS composite microspheres enhances their electrical conductivity and enables the formation of a conductive network.This,in turn,improves the composites’dielectric constant.The optimal wave-absorbing capability of the composites was achieved when the Ag@PS composite microspheres were added at a weight percentage of 50%.When the sample attains a thickness of 1.8 mm,a reflection loss of at least-39.8 dB is attained at 10.4 GHz,along with a bandwidth of 1.6 GHz(9.1–10.7 GHz)for the effective absorption bandwidth(EAB).The pressure-sensitive properties of the pliable composites were investigated as well.The optimal pressure-sensitive performance of Ag@PS/PDMS composites was achieved with a 60 wt.%addition of Ag@PS composite microspheres.The resistance undergoes significant changes when subjected to pressure with a sensitivity of 9.7.The results indicate that the flexible composites’wave-absorption and pressuresensitivity properties can be modulated by adjusting the amount of Ag@PS composite microspheres added.

Synthesis Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Precursor via Homogeneous Precipitation under Microwave Irradiation

The lowly-agglomerated single-phase YAG nanopowders were synthesized for the first time by the microwave homogeneous precipitation in the presence of urea. The composition and transformations during calcination of YAG precursor were analyzed by IR, DTA/TG and XRD. The size and morphology of YAG powders were characterized by LD and TEM methods. Results show that amorphous precursor synthesized under [urea]/[metal ions] molar ratio of 15 crystallizes directly to single-phase YAG at 900degreesC. The size distribution and sinterability of YAG powders are obviously improved by adding (NH4)(2)SO4 into the reaction solution. YAG powders obtained from precursor with the (NH4)(2)SO4 content of 8% have good sinterability and are highly densified at a temperature of 1500degreesC

Effects of Silane Coupling Agent on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of EPDM/Carbonyl Iron Microwave Absorbing Patch

The effects of types and amounts of silane coupling agent on mechanical properties of vuleanized rubber microwave absorbing patch （VRMAP） were studied. The mechanisms of silane coupling agent＇s effects on mechanical properties of rubber microwave absorbing patch （ RMAP ） and microvave absorbing patch＇s （MAP＇s） mierostrueture were also discussed by using SEM and FT-IR. The experimental results show that the tensile strength of RMAP could be increased through adding the filler of carbonyl iron powder （CIP） modified by silane coupling agent. RMAP fiUed with CIP, which was treated by silane coupling agent KH550, possessed a high tensile strength of 11.5 MPa, which was 448% more than that of MAP whose filler wus not modified by any coupling agent. It was found that the optimal amount of KH550 was 1.0 phr to 100.0 phr carbonyl iron powder. The effects of different modifying techniques on RMAP＇s mechanical properties were also inrestigated. It is indieated that MAP whose filler is modified by the wet process has the highest tensile strength, but it is not the optimal modiifying technique due to complieated wet process. On the contrary, the dry process was very simple, and VRMAP possessed fairly high mechanical properties, therefore, it was the perfect modifying process.

Surface structural engineering of carbonyl iron powder for enhancing microwave absorption and anti-oxidation performance

Surface structural engineering is desirable in modifying the surface performance of carbonyl iron powder(CIP)to enhance microwave absorption(MA)and anti-oxidation performance.Herein,the surface shape-dependent CIP absorbers are designed via surface coating with zinc oxide(ZnO)nanoparticles and then a thermal annealing treatment.The morphology of ZnO nanoparticles which can be easily regulated by controlling the annealing temperature ultimately affects the MA performance of CIP coating with ZnO nanoparticles(CIP@ZnO).The core-shell CIP@ZnO particles with cubic cone ZnO nanoparticles exhibit ex-cellent MA performance and thermal stability in comparison to the original CIP.Specifically,the CIP@ZnO annealed at 350 ℃(CIP@ZnO-350)samples which have the cubic cone ZnO nanoparticles exhibit a min-imum reflection loss(RLmin)of-55.35 dB at a thickness of 2.1 mm and a maximum effective absorp-tion bandwidth(EAB)of 7.09 GHz at a thickness of 2.0 mm.In addition,the antioxidant property of the CIP@ZnO composite particles is abruptly enhanced,which breaks the restriction of the application of CIP at high temperatures.The superior MA performance of CIP@ZnO particles with cubic cone ZnO nanoparti-cles comes from the enhancement in surface shape-dependent multiple microwave scattering,interfacial polarization,and electromagnetic-dielectric synergism between ZnO and CIP.

Effect of neodymium doping on structure,magnetic properties and microwave absorption performance of SrMnO_(3)

A simple composite Sr_(1-x)Nd_(x)MnO_(3)(x=0,0.05,0.1,0.15,0.2) nano powders were successfully prepared by the sol-gel method as a light-weight broadband electromagnetic wave absorber.The effect of Nd^(3+)doping on the structure,microstructure and properties of SrMnO_(3) was investigated.It is found that with the doping of Nd^(3+),the space group of the SrMnO_(3) changes from p63/mmc to pm3m,and the crystalline shape starts to change from hexagonal to cubic crystalline.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET) tests confirm that the particle sizes of the sample decrease and the specific surface area increases,which are attributed to the inhibition of grain growth after Nd^(3+)is doped.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) shows that after Nd^(3+)doping,the content of oxygen vacancy increases,and Mn^(4+) converts to Mn^(3+).Due to the defects of the materials,the polarization effect is enhanced,thus,the dielectric and magnetic properties of the doped samples are improved.The maximum reflection loss of the Sr_(0.85)Nd_(0.15)MnO_(3) is-33.41 dB at 7.84 GHz for a thickness of 2.4 mm,while Sr_(0.9)Nd_(0.1)MnO_(3) has the best bandwidth performance at 2.32 GHz with a reflection loss below-10dB.

Fast Determination of Essential Oil from Dried Menthol Mint and Orange Peel by Solvent Free Microwave Extraction Using Carbonyl Iron Powder as the Microwave Absorption Medium

An improved solvent free microwave extraction, in which a kind of microwave absorption medium （carbonyl iron powder） was used, was applied to the extraction of essential oil from dried menthol mint and orange peel without addition of any solvent and pretreatment. It took much less time of extraction （30 min） than microwave-assisted hydrodistillation （90 min） and conventional hydrodistillation （180 min）. The kinds of chemical compositions in essential oil extracted by different methods were almost the same and such improved solvent free microwave extraction can be a feasible way in extraction of essential oil from dried plant materials.

Solid-Phase Decarburization of High-Carbon Ferromanganese Powders by Microwave Heating

The solid-phase decarburization of high-carbon ferromanganese powders （HCFPs） was investigated using calcium carbonate as the decarburizer by microwave heating and conventional heating methods to explore the differ-ences of microwave heating and conventional heating. Experimental results show that HCFPs containing calcium.car-bonate were heated up to 900, 1000, 1 100, and 1200 ℃ and held for 60 rain for decarburization by microwave heat-ing at decarburization ratios of 76.69%, 82.90%, 84.11%, and 85. 75%, respectively. These ratios are higher than the decarburization ratios used for conventional heating under the same experimental conditipns. The microwave heat- ing can significantly improve decarburization ratio. This indicates the microwave heating field features a non-thermal effect, which in turn, visibly enhances the carbon diffusion ability of HCFPs. It also improves the kinetic conditions of solid-phase decarburization.

Solid-phase Decarburization Kinetics of High-carbon Ferromanganese Powders by Microwave Heating

Solid-phase decarburization of high-carbon ferromanganese powders （HCFPs） was conducted using calcium carbonate powders （CCPs） as a decarburizer by microwave heating. Solid-phase decarburization kinelSics was investi- gated by isothermal method. The results show that the HCFPs show excellent microwave absorption at a higher av- erage heating rate of 80 ℃/min, while CCPs exhibit poor microwave absorption at a lower heating rate of 5--20 ℃/min; the heating characteristics are in-between when HCFPs and CCPs are mixed. The average heating rates of the mix- ture are 32.14, 31.25, 31.43, and 30.77 ℃/rain when the mixture is heated up to 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 ℃, respectively. The good microwave absorption property of the mixed material lays the foundation for the solid-phase decarburization of HCFPs containing CCPs. Solid-phase decarburization of HCFPs containing CCPs is a first-order reaction by microwave heating. Apparent activation energy of solid-phase decarburization is 55.07 kJ/mol, which is far less than that of ordinary carbon gasification reaction and that of solid-phase decarburization under the same de- carburization condition by conventional heating. It indicates that microwave heating not only produces thermal effect, but also has non-thermal effect.