Feasibility study on using microwave sensing technique to analyse silver-based products

This paper reports on the feasibility of using a novel and robust microwave sensing technology to detect and analyse various silver-based products such as silver nitrate and silver oxide. The focus of the investigation is to differentiate between the two products, identify the contamination and change in the sample size. A microwave sensor designed previously in house has been utilised to carry out this initial study to analyse the capability of microwave sensing technique to carry out the analysis. The change in the microwave spectra are used as an indicator of the difference in the silver products and any contamination they may have. The results and their detailed repeatability confirm the viability of using microwave sensing technique as a potential method to analyse various silver products. The curves obtained from the material response to microwaves are distinguishable and can be related to the materials’ properties. The study suggests a design and development of a bespoke unit as a dedicated analysis tool and to address any anomalies arising from the current feasibility. This will have a huge industrial benefit in terms of cost reduction and time associated with the industrial analysis.