2.1.2 Mechanism of Microwave Heating
In the microwave heating process, energy transfer occurs by two mechanisms: dipole rotation and ionic conduction through reversals of dipoles and displacement of charged ions present in the solute and the solvent [ 7, 8 ] . In many applications these two mechanisms occur simultaneously. Ionic conduction is the electrophoretic migration of ions when an electromagnetic fi eld is applied, and the resistance of the solution to this fl ow of ions results in friction that heats the solution. Dipole rotation means rearrangement of dipoles with the applied fi eld [ 8 ] .