Microwave and high-frequency polymerization

This dossier, devoted to microwave polymerization, is divided into four parts. The first and second parts provide an overview, one on the comparison between polymerization modes and the particularity of microwave polymerization, and the other on the physical basis of this polymerization mode. The third part is much more developed, and includes two complementary points. The first deals with the dielectric characteristics of polymers, which play a fundamental role in the transfer of electrical energy, and whose evolution as a function of temperature and the state of transformation of polymers is particularly important; the second concerns the implementation of the physical means, mainly called applicators, necessary for the proper interaction between electromagnetic waves and polymer materials. A discussion of temperature measurement under electromagnetic fields completes this third section. The fourth and final part presents a number of industrial applications and highlights the issues raised by this particular technology.