Abstract: A method of microwave synthesis of phosphors includes a microwave furnace having a microwave chamber; providing starting material in the microwave chamber; and subjecting the starting material to microwaves, whereby the starting material is synthesized into phosphors. An insulation package for use in microwave synthesis is disclosed that includes an insulator having an opening therein, wherein the opening is substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to a central axis of the insulator, and wherein the opening is adapted to receive starting material. A susceptor configuration may be positioned within the cavity, wherein the insulator, the cavity, and the susceptor configuration are substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to an axis of rotation of the insulation package. A microwave furnace for continuous microwave synthesis of phosphors is also disclosed.

Abstract: An insulation package for microwave synthesis of phosphors includes an insulator and a susceptor configuration. The insulator has a cavity defined therein, wherein the cavity is adapted to receive a phosphor starting material. The susceptor configuration is positioned within the cavity, wherein the insulator, the cavity, and the susceptor configuration are substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to an axis of rotation of the insulation package. In a first embodiment, the susceptor configuration includes a plurality of susceptor rods. In an alternative embodiment, the susceptor configuration includes an inner tube and an outer tube, wherein granular susceptors are encased between the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A method of microwave synthesis of phosphors includes a microwave furnace having a microwave chamber; providing starting material in the microwave chamber; and subjecting the starting material to microwaves, whereby the starting material is synthesized into phosphors. An insulation package for use in microwave synthesis is disclosed that includes an insulator having an opening therein, wherein the opening is substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to a central axis of the insulator, and wherein the opening is adapted to receive starting material. A susceptor configuration may be positioned within the cavity, wherein the insulator, the cavity, and the susceptor configuration are substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to an axis of rotation of the insulation package. A microwave furnace for continuous microwave synthesis of phosphors is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for sintering green powder metal, metal alloy or metal composition parts employing microwave energy is described.

Abstract: A method of heating an article with microwave energy is described in which a thin layer of highly microwave absorbent powdered material is provided around at least a portion of a container made of microwave transparent material. The article to be heated is placed at a position within the container where the article is adjacent the thin layer of highly microwave absorbent powdered material, and microwave energy is applied to the container.

Abstract: A method of heating an article with microwave energy is described in which a thin layer of highly microwave absorbent powdered material is provided around at least a portion of a container made of microwave transparent material. The article to be heated is placed at a position within the container where the article is adjacent the thin layer of highly microwave absorbent powdered material, and microwave energy is applied to the container.

Abstract: Embodiments include a process including providing a microwave radiation source and a processing chamber. The process includes generating a region of pure magnetic field from the microwave radiation in the processing chamber. A region of pure electric field from the microwave radiation is also generated. A material is positioned in the region of pure magnetic field while no portion of the material is positioned in the region of pure electric field, and the material is heated in the region of pure magnetic field. The heating may be conducted to sinter the material. The material may includes a metal.

Abstract: A process for sintering green powder metal, metal alloy or metal composition parts employing microwave energy is described.

Abstract: A process for sintering green powder metal, metal alloy or metal composition parts employing microwave energy is described.

Abstract: Crystalline solid solutions and diphasic mixtures having a composition of Ca.sub.1-x M.sub.x Zr.sub.4 P.sub.6 O.sub.24, where M is Ba and/or Sr and X is between about 0.25 and 0.75, have been produced which display both low anisotropy and near zero bulk thermal expansion behavior.

Abstract: A low expansion ceramic composition is represented by the formula Ca.sub.0.5 Ti.sub.2 P.sub.3 O.sub.12 in which up to 100 percent of the Ca is replaced by one or more of the other alkaline earth metals and alkali metals, the alkali metals being selected from the group consisting of Na, Li, K and combinations thereof and substituted in the ratio of two units of alkali metal for each unit of Ca replaced. Up to 100 percent of the Ti is replaced by one or more members selected from the group consisting of Zr, Sn, Nb, Ta and Cr. For each unit of Cr replacement an approximately equal unit of alkali metal is added. For each unit of Nb and/or Ta replacement an approximately equal unit of Na and/or K replaces a unit of Ca. Up to 100 percent of the P may be replaced by Si and/or S. The total of the amounts of Ca, other alkaline earth metals, Li, K, Ti, Sn, Nb, Ta and Cr is greater then zero. Preferably up to 100 percent of the Ca is replaced by Na, and up to 100 percent of the Ti is replaced by Zr or NaCr.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing low thermal expansion modified cordierite compositions which are especially useful in the manufacture of mirrors for high temperature applications, said method comprising the steps of: providing, on a molecular basis, a mixture of about 2 moles magnesium oxide, 2 moles aluminum oxide, and about 5 moles divided between silicon dioxide and germanium oxide; blending said materials; milling the mixture until finely divided and thoroughly mixed; forming said mixture into a desired shape; gradually heating the shape to a temperature at which reactive sintering occurs and a cordierite type structure is formed; gradually cooling the structure; and hot compacting the structure to consolidate the sintered body to very nearly 100 percent of theoretical density.