Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
The conversion efficiency of electrical to microwave power by magnetrons operating at 896 / 915 MHz is significantly greater than that of magnetrons operating at 2.45 GHz. The increased efficiency at this frequency improves the prospects of microwave firing being adopted as a commercially viable process but the change in frequency alters the microwave-material interactions that take place.
This paper discusses the influence and implications of using 896 / 915 MHz for firing ceramics and compares dielectric property data at both frequencies. The results suggest that using the lower frequency will result in more efficient heating.