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Some base resins are microwave absorbers. Polyester is a known base resin that is
an absorber of microwaves. Titanium dioxide and calcium carbonate have also
been found to be microwave absorbent. If these materials are present in a sample,
usually enough heat is generated to remove most high boiling non-polar solvents
and any other volatiles. Oils become very hot when placed in the microwave field.
Some metal based samples can be tested. If carbon black is present in a sample, it
will heat very quickly and possibly burn even at low power levels.
It is recommended that CEM Corporation or a local distributor be consulted prior
to testing any solvent based sample.
General Sample Application Technique
If the sample is in a paste, semi-solid, or crumb form or a raw or skeletal meat
product such as fresh pork, ground beef, or chicken, place the sample on the end
of a spatula and spread it across one end of the pad. Then spread the sample to a
uniform thickness covering approximately 90% of the pad surface area.
1 Spread Thin Layer Across 90% of Pad