Influence of process parameters on microwave joining of the similar/dissimilar materials: A review

Conventional joining techniques like soldering, welding, and brazing are used by various fabrication industries but these processes have some limitations like more power consumption, higher processing time, and greater heat-affected zone. The need of the hour is to find alternate welding techniques that can be more environment-friendly, cost-effective, and enhance the properties of the fabricated product. Microwave welding is one such joining technique that overcome all the limitations allied with conven-tional joining techniques. Microwaves are generally electromagnetic waves having a wavelength range from 1 mm to 1 m and a frequency range from 0.3 to 300 GHz. Due to volumetric heating in microwave joining, the rapid joining of specimens occurred. Limited studies are available regarding the use of micro-waves in joining. Various parameters that influence the microwave joining of materials are the type of interface material, exposure time, susceptor material, and power output. The present study critically reviews and summarizes the available literature on the effect of above said parameters on the microwave joining of materials. Research gaps reported in the literature have also been discussed in an attempt to create a single-valued source of knowledge that will help and guide researchers working in the area of microwave joining of materials.Copyright (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Confer-ence on Materials, Processing & Characterization.