Process for producing bonded activated carbon structures and articles

In a process for producing activated carbon adsorbant structures using resin binders to bond the activated charcoal particles, the improvement comprising:

• (a) preparing a substantially homogeneous particulate mixture by combining 5 to 30 weight percent polyolefin resin powder having an average particle size between 5 and 125 microns and 70 to 95 weight percent particulate activated carbon;
• (b) introducing the particulate mixture prepared in step (a) into a microwave transparent container;
• (c) exposing the container containing the particulate mixture to microwave radiation to increase the temperature of the activated carbon 3 to 30° C. above the crystalline melting point of the polyolefin resin;
• (d) compacting the particulate mixture to increase contact between the particles;
• and;
• (e) lowering the temperature of the particulate mixture below the melting point of the polyolefin while maintaining point bond formation conditions.