Enhancement of solid-state polymerization with microwave energy

This work reports on using microwave energy to increase the rate of solid-state polymerization for PET and nylon 66. Theoretical analysis and experimental evidence show that the increase in polymerization rate is not due to an increase in the bulk temperature. Instead, the effect is consistent with directed heating of the condensate leading to enhanced diffusion rates. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 1203–1212, 1998