Drying of wet boric acid by microwave heating

In this study, drying of boric acid (H3BO3) by microwave energy is investigated. Using 100-700 W and 2450 1MHz microwave energy, boric acid containing 5-10% moisture placed on a teflon lined belt is dried at 60-10 degrees C selectively, without any loss of structural water. In this process, the microwave oven is first set to 35 degrees C, following which wet boric acid having been previously heated to 35 degrees C is placed inside. The sample first heats to 100 degrees C by the effect of microwave energy, after which its temperature sharply drops, resulting complete removal of moisture. This process does not lead to decomposition and disintegration of crystalline molecules and there are no contaminants involved. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.