A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE GLAZING USING MICROWAVE HEATING,

摘要

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for high temperature microwave glazing to obtain highly dense, pore-free and impervious surface layer in a significantly shorter time. A glaze-forming composition is applied on a work piece and indirect heating can be done by first absorbing the microwaves in a susceptor material kept close to the work piece up to temperatures above 800°C at which the work piece also starts absorbing microwaves. Subsequently, the work piece is self-heated and is exposed to the different stages of the firing of the glaze with the highest soaking temperature being in the range 1000 to 1500°C, and with the reduction in overall heating time as compared to conventional heating cycle. The microwave-fired glazed surface shows comparable or better properties in terms of surface roughness, porosity or defect density. Fig1[IN-CHE-2012-03556A]