Abstract: Molding of expanded plastic material such as dielectric material by microwave radiation is effected in a mold in which the part of the mold which contacts the material to be molded is of a material having high dielectric losses and capable of absorbing microwave radiation. Such mold portion preferably comprises a resin containing a small amount of carbon black.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the manufacture of pre-expanded particles, which comprises in combination a heat-insulated resonating cavity, with a high-frequency electromagnetic source of energy, a ferrite circulater, a wave guide, an Archimedes screw for the introduction of the plastics material to be pre-expanded, a pump for regulating the feed of polar liquid and a device for extracting the pre-expanded particles. The present invention provides also a process for the pre-expansion of particles of plastic material using said apparatus.