Microwave susceptors incorporating expandable polymeric particles
First Claim
1. A microwave susceptor comprising a substrate, a microwave-interactive component that is supported by the substrate, and a plurality of expandable semicrystalline thermoplastic polymeric microspheres that are in thermally-conductive contact with the microwave-interactive component.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to the field of microwave heating, in particular to the use of so-called microwave susceptors for providing localized thermal heating for the purpose of heating an object, such as the browning or crisping a food item. Most particularly, the present invention relates to a technology for providing heating while avoiding overheating. The present invention provides a microwave susceptor comprising a substrate, a microwave-interactive component, and a plurality of expandable semicrystalline thermoplastic polymeric microspheres in thermally conductive contact with the microwave-interactive component. In a preferred embodiment, the expandable microspheres are disposed in such manner that upon reaching a pre-determined temperature the heating rate of the composite microwave susceptor is reduced.
11 Citations
25 Claims
- 1. A microwave susceptor comprising a substrate, a microwave-interactive component that is supported by the substrate, and a plurality of expandable semicrystalline thermoplastic polymeric microspheres that are in thermally-conductive contact with the microwave-interactive component.
- 22. A method of making a microwave susceptor comprising providing a substrate, supporting a microwave-interactive component on the substrate, and disposing expandable semicrystalline thermoplastic polymeric microspheres in thermally-conductive contact with the microwave-interactive component.
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23. A method of making a microwave susceptor comprising providing a substrate, depositing expandable semicrystalline thermoplastic polymeric microspheres on the substrate, and disposing a microwave-interactive component on the microspheres.
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24. A method of making a microwave susceptor, comprising (a) admixing expandable semicrystalline thermoplastic polymeric microspheres, microwave interactive particulates, and a binder;
- and (b) applying the mixture to a substrate.
Specification