Dielectric properties of sodium hydroxide-impregnated and activated cempedak peel samples at microwave frequencies

Abstract

This study was aimed to evaluate the dielectric properties of sodium hydroxide-impregnated samples and activated carbons derived from jackfruit peel (Artocarpus chempeden, Artocarpus integer). The dielectric properties were examined by using open-ended coaxial probe method at microwave frequencies. The results show that the dielectric properties of cempedak peel samples are influenced by frequency, concentration of activator, moisture content and carbon content. The impregnated sample with NaOH ratio of 1.5 (CN1.5) showed a better microwave absorber due to sufficient moisture content (8.55 %), consequently higher tan δ. Sodium hydroxide can function as microwave absorber to enhance the efficiency of microwave heating for low loss material like cempedak peel. Moisture content and carbon content have to be taken into consideration as these parameters can influence the dielectric properties of the modified cempedak peel samples.