Microwave joining of similar/dissimilar metals and its characterizations: A review

Abstract

The application of microwave radiation for the processing of different materials is increasing frequently. Initially, microwaves were used for communication purpose but, due to its thermal ability currently, it is used for sintering, cladding, casting, and joining processes. Microwave joining of the materials is an emerging field of research that previously shown some encouraging outcomes. Although microwave processing of metals is a challenging task, still researchers have developed the method of heating the metals using susceptor material. This process of heating the metals is termed as microwave hybrid heating (MHH). In this review paper, the use of microwave energy for the joining of similar/dissimilar metals is studied briefly. From the review, there are several critical parameters that are discussed for successful microwave joining. The parameters included in this study are a specimen, interface powder, susceptor material, separator sheet, and insulated bricks. The importance of the characterization is studied and explained using previous results. It is concluded that there are several metals that are not being processed using microwave energy and some of the mechanical characteristics which are not used until now.