Melting of tin using muffle furnace and microwave energy and its characterization

Abstract

A domestic microwave oven with operating frequency of 2.45 GHz and power rating of 900W is used to melt tin. Crucible made of silica is used. The silica crucible is placed inside alumina caskets, which acts as a refractory shielding material. The casket is placed in the oven. Silicon Carbide, which is used as a susceptor is placed under the crucible. Thermocouple attached with temperature indicator is used to measure the temperature. Temperature limit is preset to 250 C. Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller limits the temperature from exceeding the set temperature. The experiment is carried in the non-vacuum environment.