The use of microwave energy in ceramic processing offers advantages such as shorter processing times and high structural homogeneity. The purpose of this work is to produce glazed porcelain samples by microwave hybrid sintering. Glazed porcelain samples with complex geometry were formed by slip casting, green glazed by immersion and subjected to one-step microwave and conventional sintering. The microwave sintered samples presented the same or superior physical characteristics of surface appearance, glass adhesion, apparent density and porosity, and modulus of rupture than the conventionally sintered samples in only 24 min of total sintering time, i.e., less than 10% of the conventional sintering time.
one-step sintering; porcelain; microwaves
