Abstract: A method for joining similar materials to create multi-component assemblies so the joint materials share similar physical, chemical, and electrical characteristics with the base materials. The method includes aligning the materials, applying joining material, focusing a microwave beam on the joint area to initially heat the joint area to allow the joining material to soften and fill physical discontinuities while the surrounding surfaces remains cool, rapidly heating the joint area to the reactive area of the joining material, rapidly cooling the joint area and maintaining the joint area at a recrystallization temperature. The materials can be ceramics such as aluminum oxide.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanocrystalline metal, comprising the steps of: providing a reaction mixture comprising a metal precursor and an alcohol solvent; continuously flowing the reaction mixture through a reactor; applying microwave or millimeter-wave energy to the reaction mixture; wherein the microwave or millimeter-wave energy is localized to the vicinity of the reaction mixture; and heating the reaction mixture with the microwave or millimeter-wave energy so that the alcohol solvent reduces the metal precursor to a metal; wherein the heating occurs in the reactor.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanocrystalline metal, comprising the steps of: providing a reaction mixture comprising a metal precursor and an alcohol solvent; continuously flowing the reaction mixture through a reactor; applying microwave or millimeter-wave energy to the reaction mixture; wherein the microwave or millimeter-wave energy is localized to the vicinity of the reaction mixture; and heating the reaction mixture with the microwave or millimeter-wave energy so that the alcohol solvent reduces the metal precursor to a metal; wherein the heating occurs in the reactor.

Abstract: Process for removing microwave energy absorbing material disposed on a substrate without thermally and/or mechanically damaging the substrate and with reduced production of volatile matter comprising the steps of directing microwave energy at the coating of sufficient power to damage the coating and removing the damaged coating from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for joining similar materials to create multi-component assemblies so the joint materials share similar physical, chemical, and electrical characteristics with the base materials. The method includes aligning the materials, applying joining material, focusing a microwave beam on the joint area to initially heat the joint area to allow the joining material to soften and fill physical discontinuities while the surrounding surfaces remains cool, rapidly heating the joint area to the reactive area of the joining material, rapidly cooling the joint area and maintaining the joint area at a recrystallization temperature. The materials can be ceramics such as aluminum oxide.

Abstract: Process for removing microwave energy absorbing material disposed on a substrate without thermally and/or mechanically damaging the substrate and with reduced production of volatile matter comprising the steps of directing microwave energy at the coating of sufficient power to damage the coating and removing the damaged coating from the substrate.

Abstract: Nanostructured metallic powders and coatings are processed by suspending a metal precursor in a glycol solution containing the constituent metal salts and using a millimeter wave beam as the heating source. The mixture is then heated to reduce the metal precursor to a metal precipitate. The precipitated metal may then be isolated.

Abstract: Nanostructured metallic powders and coatings are processed by suspending a metal precursor in a glycol solution containing the constituent metal salts and using a millimeter wave beam as the heating source. The mixture is then heated to reduce the metal precursor to a metal precipitate. The precipitated metal may then be isolated.