Welcome MPEC!
The Microwave Processing & Engineering Center
This center is the world’s leading institution in the study of the interaction of solid matter with microwave radiation. It has published some 150+ papers and patents. Its success is based on a sequence of remarkable discoveries:
- Increasing the kinetics by 10-100X, of all reactions involving the most important materials of modern materials science: BaTiO3; all ferrites, silicon, powdered metals, WC/Co, etc.
- The details and principles of "Anisothermal" reactions in any multiphase system
- Applicability of microwave energy to process metallic materials
- The physical materials processing utilizing separability of the E & H fields at microwave frequencies
- The radical differences between the E & H fields in interaction with matter, including the formation of different phases, and dramatic differences in kinetics.
- The ability to de-crystallize many of the most significant crystalline phases of materials technology—in a few seconds—without melting
- Synthesis of ZnO microtubes and carbon nanotubes
Most of the Center support has come from two dozen companies and the Defense Dept and DOE, since its science is so “transformative” that the “peers” have yet to catch up with it!!
In the News:
Microwave Energy Applied to Processing
of High-Temperature Materials
Application of microwave energy is emerging as an innovative technology for the processing of a variety of products and materials at faster rates, cheaper processing cost and, in most cases, with better properties. Moreover, the process is ecology friendly.
Microwaved tires: Fuel of the future?
Frank Pringle believes he can west energy from the process. His theory is gaining mileage. The Energy Dept. and two magazines are taking notice.
Green Technology: Hi-Temperature Microwave Sintering Reduces Energy Use Up to 80% and Process Time Up to 90%
Asian industry is leading the development and switch to high-temperature microwave sintering, replacing inefficient gas and electric furnaces with this newer “green” technology. “Switching to microwave furnaces cuts energy use up to 80% and reduces processing time by 90%

