Microwave absorbing composite

This invention relates to articles that are capable of absorbing microwave energy and converting same to heat energy. This invention provides a microwave absorbing composite (10) comprising at least two zones (12, 14) of material capable of absorbing microwave energy, each set of said two zones being separated by one zone (16) of material transparent to or transmissive of microwave energy. The microwave energy absorbing zones are selected such that the composite is incapable of arcing in a microwave oven whereof the maximum power output does not exceed 2000 watts at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. The major advantage of the composite of this invention is that the composite can absorb significantly more microwave energy from such sources as a microwave oven without undergoing arcing than can a susceptor having only a single microwave absorbing zone. The composite can therefore develop heat at a faster rate, without arcing, when employed as a microwave susceptor than can a susceptor having only a single microwave absorbing zone. The composite of this invention can be used for such purposes as crisping, browning, or otherwise heating food products, as a material for packaging, or as a package venting material.