MICROWAVE-ASSISTED SETTING OF SHAPED CERAMIC/FOAM BODIES

摘要

The invention relates to a method for the production of shaped foam bodies, comprising: provision of a composition having foam particles and binder; introduction of the composition into a space which is bounded on at least one side by a pressing surface; and exertion of pressure onto the composition by means of the pressing surface. The method further irradiation of microwaves through the pressing surface into the composition, while pressure is being exerted onto the composition. The invention furthermore relates to a device for carrying out the method according to the invention, having: at least one pressing surface and a counterbearing surface lying opposite, between which a space extends which is adapted to receive a composition of foam particles and binder. The pressing surface and counterbearing surface adjoin the space directly. The device further comprises at least one stiff layer which locally or entirely is essentially transparent for microwaves and has a surface facing toward the space, which is connected to the pressing surface in such a way as to transmit force. The device also comprises a microwave radiator unit which is arranged on a side of the stiff layer remote from the space and is aligned relative to the space in order to irradiate microwaves into the space through the stiff layer. Lastly, the invention relates to a microwave radiator unit for the heat treatment of foam compositions. The microwave radiator unit comprises a multiplicity of microwave antennas which are arranged in a plane array and at least two of which are connected through a distributor device to a common microwave signal source, which feeds the at least two antennas.