Phase transformation and heating behaviors of iron-based ceramic powders in a single-mode microwave applicator

The application of microwave radiation for heating iron-based ceramic and elemental blend powders was performed in a single-mode microwave applicator. The heating behaviors and phase transformations of these powders by microwave radiation in a separated electric-field and magnetic-field were investigated. These powders could be heated up more easily in a magnetic-field than in electric-field. Microwave heating of iron and iron boride blend powders induced the formation of Fe2B and Fe3B phases. The phenomenon of decomposition was confirmed and only α-Fe phase could be observed after microwave heating of Fe3C powder both in an electric- and magnetic-fields.