An innovative microwave cavity sensor for non-destructive characterisation of polymers

Abstract

An innovative microwave cavity sensor for non-destructive characterisation of polymers http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/4655/ Article LJMU has developed LJMU Research Online for users to access the research output of the University more effectively. AbstractThis paper investigates the feasibility of using an innovative microwave sensing technology to characterise and study various properties of polymer material such as difference between various polymer types, particle size and particle size distribution, contamination and pigmentation. A microwave sensor designed previously has been utilised to carry out this initial study to analyse the capability of microwave techniques to carry out the analysis. The curves obtained from material response to microwaves are distinguishable showing the shift to the lower frequency end with the insertion of polymer material. S11 measurements have shown distinctive peaks for each size and type of the sample tested. The results are quantifiable in terms of various polymer properties under consideration. In terms of S21 measurements, microwave sensor clearly distinguishes between coarse and fine polymer samples in terms of particle size. The effect of air voids in the sample and the particle size distribution has also been studied. The results are promising and justifies a thorough design and development of a dedicated microwave sensor unit for the characterisation of polymers. The sensor will have a significant industrial benefit in terms of costs associated with the industrial analysis, increase in the efficiency of manufacturing and production operation as well as material quality, control and validation.

The influence of incorporating plastic within concrete and the potential use of microwave curing; A review

“…Also, there has been use of MW energy within polymer material characterisation. In the investigation undertaken by Ateeq et al [19]. However, there has not been use of MW power so far for the treatment/melting of polymers within concrete in order to impregnate as well as enhance concrete properties.…”

“…In addition, there has also been use of MW energy within polymer material characterisation [19] However, MW power has not been used so far to treat/melt plastics inside the concrete, in order to intense impregnation that will not only enhance the bonding but also reduce the porosity within the concrete, which was aimed to address in this research review. There has not, however, been use of MW power to date for treating/melting the polymer inside of concrete so that there could be impregnation and enhancement of the properties of concrete, which was an aim addressed within this review of previous research.…”

Axially-Symmetric Tm-Waves Diffraction by Sphere-Conical Cavity

“…Cavities connected with the open space through the slot/hole in their walls are widely applied to communication and measuring systems [1,2], particles accelerators [3], nano-technologies and materials diagnostics [4,5] to achieve the necessary radiation characteristics in the wide frequency band; the millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths are also included into this range. The theoretical methods for analysis of the radiating properties of the slot/hole were first elaborated in the mid-1940s [6][7][8][9][10].…”