关键词: 微波, 冶金过程, 应用

Abstract: Microwave processes have been rapidly developed for the last two decades in many areas, but the application of microwave in metallurgical processes is just at the initial stage. This paper presents a review on the research and development results of microwave technology applied in mineral treatment, material preparing process and metal recovery operations such as heating, comminution, carbothermic reduction of oxide mineral, leaching and some of metallurgical waste treatments. Despite in this area a significant number of research studies have been carried out and many results obtained, which exhibits a lot of advantages in metallurgical processes. The mechanism of interaction of microwave with minerals and materials and understanding of some phenomena occurring in a microwave-assisted process are still not explained clearly, so that more investigation will be needed in the future. The conversion efficiency of microwave energy, high power microwave generator and designing efficient reactor are key problems to be overcome for improving industrial applications.

Key words: microwave, metallurgy, application