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Title: Method for curing polymers using variable-frequency microwave heating

Patent ·
OSTI ID:871386
 [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. Oak Ridge, TN
  2. Clinton, TN
+ Show Author Affiliations

A method for curing polymers (11) incorporating a variable frequency microwave furnace system (10) designed to allow modulation of the frequency of the microwaves introduced into a furnace cavity (34). By varying the frequency of the microwave signal, non-uniformities within the cavity (34) are minimized, thereby achieving a more uniform cure throughout the workpiece (36). A directional coupler (24) is provided for detecting the direction of a signal and further directing the signal depending on the detected direction. A first power meter (30) is provided for measuring the power delivered to the microwave furnace (32). A second power meter (26) detects the magnitude of reflected power. The furnace cavity (34) may be adapted to be used to cure materials defining a continuous sheet or which require compressive forces during curing.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
Assignee:
Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc. (Oak Ridge, TN)
Patent Number(s):
US 5721286
OSTI ID:
871386
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (3)

Accelerated imidization reactions using microwave radiation journal July 1992
Frequency Agile Sources for Microwave Ovens journal January 1979
Use of Sheath Heiix Slow-wave Structure as an Applicator in Microwave Heating Systems journal January 1981

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method
curing
polymers
variable-frequency
microwave
heating
11
incorporating
variable
frequency
furnace
10
designed
allow
modulation
microwaves
introduced
cavity
34
varying
signal
non-uniformities
minimized
achieving
uniform
cure
throughout
workpiece
36
directional
coupler
24
provided
detecting
direction
directing
depending
detected
power
meter
30
measuring
delivered
32
26
detects
magnitude
reflected
adapted
materials
defining
continuous
sheet
require
compressive
forces
signal depending
furnace cavity
compressive force
microwaves introduced
allow modulation
continuous sheet
directional coupler
microwave signal
frequency microwave
variable frequency
microwave heating
power meter
power delivered
reflected power
microwave furnace
wave signal
form cu
curing polymers
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