Microwave ovens are commonly used for heating and cooking food quickly at home. Microwave technology is also being used increasingly for chemical processes. In the context of sustainability and energy, microwave can be a useful tool for energy savings for many polymer processes. In particular, microwave heating has been found to provide a faster reaction time for the synthesis of a polyurethane from a carbohydrate and a diisocyanate, with a similar polymer structure as made with conventional heat. A semi-interpenetrating polymer network involving a polyurethane and a second polymer can also be produced more quickly through microwave heating. Similarly, microwave has been found to accelerate pericyclic reactions involving triglycerides leading to polymer formation. Moreover, diffusion-controlled processes can often be enhanced with microwave. Thus, in the extraction of phenolics from common beans, microwave can sometimes produce higher extraction yields. In the preparation of natural deep eutectic solvents and water for extraction, microwave can speed up the preparation time. In addition to energy and time savings, decreased processing time enabled by microwave can reduce worker’s exposure time to the chemicals and solvents used in the reactions, thereby improving worker safety and reducing chemical hazards. Thus, microwave can be a green energy-saving tool for polymer processes.

Use of microwave as a green energy-saving tool for polymer processes

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