3.2. Dielectric properties of products and selection of model food
Dielectric properties (dielectric constant e0 and dielectric loss
factor e00) of a material determines the behavior of the material in
radio frequency or MW fields in terms of dielectric heating; they
indicate the ability of the material to reflect, transmit, and absorb
energy from radio frequency waves or microwaves (Nelson and
Kraszewski, 1990). e0 is related to the ability of the material to store
electromagnetic energy and e00 is a measure of the ability of the
material to dissipate electrical energy into heat. They are critical
parameters that affect coupling and distribution of electromagnetic
energy during the heating process (Mudgett, 1986). Dielectric
properties of a material vary with the composition such as salt content
and moisture content