Microwave energy cellulose

Aromatic plants are usually constituted from cellulose, essential oil, and water. If these three compounds are heated by microwaves at a fixed radiation power and for a set time, the heating rate will be the highest for water, followed by essential oil and cellulose, respectively. One of the interactions of the microwave energy with the matrix is called the dipolar polarization mechanism. A substance can generate heat when irradiated with microwaves if it has a dipole moment, for example that of the water molecule. A dipole is sensitive to external electric fields and will attempt to align itself with the field by rotation. 

Figure 9-42. Gas-separation selectivity of the acetate cellulose polymer membrane 5(nHe/ncH<) as function of the microwave discharge energy (dose) deposited during total duration of treatment microwave pulse power 2 kW pulse duration 100 fis gas pressure in the microwave discharge chamber 2 Torr nitrogen/oxygen ratio in the plasma gas N2 02 =4 1 flow rate of the plasma gas 40 cm /s. The same dose can be achieved at different values of average microwave power -b, 10 W (pulsing period 20 ms) o, 20 W (pulsing period 10 ms) , 100 W (pulsing period 2 ms).

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