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5 pages, 192 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The Applications of Plasma Techniques

by Mariusz Jasiński

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010092 - 21 Dec 2022

Viewed by 748

Abstract

This Special Issue “The Applications of Plasma Techniques” in the section “Optics and Lasers” of the journal Applied Sciences intends to provide a description of plasmas, plasma devices and processes related to plasma applications in a broad sense [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)

Research

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10 pages, 1875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Tunable Plasma Photonic Crystals in Dielectric Barrier Discharge

by Kuangya Gao, Yueqiang Liang, Chengyu Liu, Yafeng He, Weili Fan and Fucheng Liu

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(16), 5572; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10165572 - 12 Aug 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2034

Abstract

We demonstrate a kind of structural tunable plasma photonic crystal in a dielectric barrier discharge by self-organization of the plasma filaments. The symmetry, the lattice constant and the orientations of different plasma photonic crystals can be deliberately controlled by changing the applied voltage. [...] Read more.

We demonstrate a kind of structural tunable plasma photonic crystal in a dielectric barrier discharge by self-organization of the plasma filaments. The symmetry, the lattice constant and the orientations of different plasma photonic crystals can be deliberately controlled by changing the applied voltage. The plasma structures can be tuned from a square lattice to a triangular lattice, the lattice constant is reduced and the crystal orientation varies

\frac{π}{6}

when the applied voltage is increased. The band diagrams of the plasma photonic crystals under a transverse-magnetic wave have been studied, which shows that the positions and sizes of the band gaps change significantly for different plasma structures. We suggest a flexible way for the fabrication of tunable plasma photonic crystals, which may find wide application in the manipulation of microwaves or terahertz waves. Full article

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16 pages, 5062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical 3D Modeling: Microwave Plasma Torch at Intermediate Pressure

by Qinghao Shen, Run Huang, Zili Xu and Wei Hua

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(15), 5393; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10155393 - 04 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4847

Abstract

This study represents a self-consistent three-dimensional (3D) fluid plasma model coupled with Maxwell equations at an intermediate pressure between 1000 and 5000 Pa. The model was established using the finite element method to analyze the effects of time–space characteristics, which is the variation [...] Read more.

This study represents a self-consistent three-dimensional (3D) fluid plasma model coupled with Maxwell equations at an intermediate pressure between 1000 and 5000 Pa. The model was established using the finite element method to analyze the effects of time–space characteristics, which is the variation of plasma parameters with time and the 3D spatial distribution of plasma parameters in the plasma torch at various times. The numerical modeling was demonstrated in three different stages, where the growth of electron density is associated with time. From the distribution characteristics of molecular ions, it can be concluded that they are distributed mainly at the port of the quartz tube of the torch, which is larger than the center of the tube. The density ratio of molecular ion to electron is decreased because of the reduction of pressure and distance, which has been calculated from the port to the center of the quartz tube. The analysis of microwave plasma parameters indicated that intermediate pressure is useful for modeling and plasma source designing, especially for carbon dioxide conversion. Full article

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18 pages, 18320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Axial Plasma Spraying of Mixed Suspensions: A Case Study on Processing, Characteristics, and Tribological Behavior of Al₂O₃-YSZ Coatings

by Sneha Goel, Stefan Björklund, Nicholas Curry, Sivakumar Govindarajan, Urban Wiklund, Caterina Gaudiuso and Shrikant Joshi

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(15), 5140; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10155140 - 27 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3173

Abstract

Thermal spraying deploying liquid feedstock offers an exciting opportunity to obtain coatings with characteristics vastly different from those produced using conventional spray-grade powders. The most extensively investigated variant of this technique is Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS), which utilizes a suspension of fine powders [...] Read more.

Thermal spraying deploying liquid feedstock offers an exciting opportunity to obtain coatings with characteristics vastly different from those produced using conventional spray-grade powders. The most extensively investigated variant of this technique is Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS), which utilizes a suspension of fine powders in an appropriate medium. The relatively recent advent of axial feed capable plasma spray systems can enable higher throughputs during SPS, provides the possibility for spraying with longer stand-off distances, and also permit the use of suspensions with higher solid loading. The present work investigates axial plasma sprayed coatings produced using a mixed suspension of fine (submicron or nano-sized) powders of Al₂O₃ and YSZ as a case study. Deposition of the mixed suspension using axial injection plasma spraying, comprehensive evaluation of characteristics of the resulting coatings, and assessment of their tribological behavior were of particular interest. Evaluation of surface morphology, microstructure, and hardness of the coatings reveals that axial SPS of mixed suspensions provides an exciting pathway to realize finely structured multi-constituent coatings using suspensions with as high as 40 wt.% solid loading. The study of scratch, dry sliding wear, and erosion behavior also specifically shows that the addition of YSZ in the Al₂O₃ matrix can improve the tribological properties of the coating. Full article

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8 pages, 2385 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Gliding Arc Microreactor Power Supply System Based on Push–Pull Converter Topology

by Piotr Krupski and Henryka Danuta Stryczewska

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(11), 3989; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10113989 - 09 Jun 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2916

Abstract

The era of evolution in power electronic systems has led to a widespread displacement of power supplies operating at mains frequencies. Switched-mode power inverters offer possibilities incomparably higher than mains transformers. These trends have also entered into plasma technologies, including GlidArc plasma processing. [...] Read more.

The era of evolution in power electronic systems has led to a widespread displacement of power supplies operating at mains frequencies. Switched-mode power inverters offer possibilities incomparably higher than mains transformers. These trends have also entered into plasma technologies, including GlidArc plasma processing. The article presents the use of an inverter power supply for a miniaturized GlidArc. It is a demonstration of using a push–pull topology in an unusual application. A special part is devoted to parasitic phenomena in the inverter and the implementation of switching overvoltages as a way of improving the ignition parameters of the power supply. The results of the tests with a plasma reactor in air conditions as a process gas are also presented. Full article

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10 pages, 3217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chosen Aspects of the Electromagnetic Compatibility of Plasma Reactors with Gliding Arc Discharges

by Paweł Mazurek

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(11), 3789; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10113789 - 29 May 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2277

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of electromagnetic disturbance interactions inside the three-phase gliding arc plasma generation installation. This is the main part of the electromagnetic compatibility analysis of the reactor installation. All elements of the nonthermal plasma installation are described from the point [...] Read more.

This paper presents an analysis of electromagnetic disturbance interactions inside the three-phase gliding arc plasma generation installation. This is the main part of the electromagnetic compatibility analysis of the reactor installation. All elements of the nonthermal plasma installation are described from the point of view of disturbance generation and their influence on the power supply system. The analysis is based on the results of tests carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Directive and harmonised standards. The disturbances measured are large, over 20 dB above the limits. The disturbances measured allow valid conclusions to be reached in relation to this type of installation. The implication is the need for plasma reactors designed with elements that reduce radiated and conducted interference. Full article

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14 pages, 14483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Operating Problems of Arc Plasma Reactors Powered by AC/DC/AC Converters

by Grzegorz Komarzyniec and Michał Aftyka

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(9), 3295; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10093295 - 09 May 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2437

Abstract

The scientific objective was to investigate the cooperation of three-electrode plasma reactors with gliding arc discharge powered from multi-phase AC/DC/AC converters. In order to achieve the scientific and practical goal of the project, a test stand was designed and built, which included: a [...] Read more.

The scientific objective was to investigate the cooperation of three-electrode plasma reactors with gliding arc discharge powered from multi-phase AC/DC/AC converters. In order to achieve the scientific and practical goal of the project, a test stand was designed and built, which included: a multi-electrode GlidArc type plasma reactor; a power-electronic AC/DC/AC converter, working as a source of voltage or current with regulated parameters of energy transferred to the discharge space; reactor operation diagnostics systems; and a process gas feeding and flow control system. The GlidArc Plasma Reactor has shown high sensitivity to changes in many electrical as well as gas chemical, gas-dynamic and mechanical parameters. The AC/DC/AC converter turned out to be a system sensitive to interference generated by the plasma reactor. It can be noticed that the operation of the reactor in certain conditions causes bigger interferences of the converter. However, it is difficult to systematise the influence of particular parameters of the reactor’s operation on the operation of the AC/DC/AC converter and vice versa due to mutual correlations of many parameters. The correct operation of a plasma reactor depends on the characteristics of the power supply system; on the other hand, the power supply system reacts to such an untypical receiver as a plasma reactor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)

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14 pages, 4419 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Tar Removal by Nanosecond Pulsed Dielectric Barrier Discharge

by Mirosław Dors and Daria Kurzyńska

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(3), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10030991 - 03 Feb 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2976

Abstract

Plasma-catalytic reforming of simulated biomass tar composed of naphthalene, toluene, and benzene was carried out in a coaxial plasma reactor supplied with nanosecond high-voltage pulses. The effect of Rh-LaCoO₃/Al₂O₃ and Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts covering high-voltage electrode [...] Read more.

Plasma-catalytic reforming of simulated biomass tar composed of naphthalene, toluene, and benzene was carried out in a coaxial plasma reactor supplied with nanosecond high-voltage pulses. The effect of Rh-LaCoO₃/Al₂O₃ and Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts covering high-voltage electrode on the tar conversion efficiency was evaluated. Compared to the plasma reaction without a catalyst, the combination of plasma with the catalyst significantly enhanced the conversion of all three tar components, achieving complete conversion when an Rh-based catalyst was used. Apart from gaseous and liquid samples, char samples taken at five locations inside the reactor were also analyzed for their chemical composition. Char was not formed when the Rh-based catalyst was used. Different by-products were detected for the plasma reactor without a catalyst, with the Ni- and Rh-based catalysts. A possible reaction pathway in the plasma-catalytic process for naphthalene, as the most complex compound, was proposed through the combined analysis of liquid and solid products. Full article

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8 pages, 2875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma Electrolysis Spraying Al₂O₃ Coating onto Quartz Fiber Fabric for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Stability

by Aiming Bu, Yongfu Zhang, Yan Xiang, Yunjie Yang, Weiwei Chen, Huanwu Cheng and Lu Wang

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(2), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10020702 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2528

Abstract

This manuscript reported the synthesis of Al₂O₃ coating onto quartz fiber fabric by plasma electrolysis spray for enhanced thermal conductivity and stability. The nano- and micro-sized clusters were partially observed on the coating, while most coating was relatively smooth. It [...] Read more.

This manuscript reported the synthesis of Al₂O₃ coating onto quartz fiber fabric by plasma electrolysis spray for enhanced thermal conductivity and stability. The nano- and micro-sized clusters were partially observed on the coating, while most coating was relatively smooth. It was suggested that the formation of a ceramic coating was followed as the nucleation-growth raw, that is, the formation of the coating clusters was dependent on the fast grow-up partially, implying the inhomogeneous energy distribution in the electrolysis plasma. The deposition of the Al₂O₃ coating increased the tensile strength from 19.2 to 58.1 MPa. The thermal conductivity of the coated quartz fiber was measured to be 1.17 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, increased by ~45% compared to the bare fiber. The formation mechanism of the Al₂O₃ coating was preliminarily discussed. The thermally conductive quartz fiber with high thermal stability by plasma electrolysis spray will be widely used in flexible thermal shielding and insulation materials. Full article

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Review

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38 pages, 5411 KiB

Open AccessReview

Probing Collisional Plasmas with MCRS: Opportunities and Challenges

by Bart Platier, Tim Staps, Peter Koelman, Marc van der Schans, Job Beckers and Wilbert IJzerman

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(12), 4331; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10124331 - 24 Jun 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3544

Abstract

Since the 1940s, Microwave Cavity Resonance Spectroscopy (MCRS) has been used to investigate a variety of solids, gases, and low-pressure plasmas. Recently, the working terrain of the diagnostic method has been expanded with atmospheric-pressure plasmas. This review discusses the advancements that were required [...] Read more.

Since the 1940s, Microwave Cavity Resonance Spectroscopy (MCRS) has been used to investigate a variety of solids, gases, and low-pressure plasmas. Recently, the working terrain of the diagnostic method has been expanded with atmospheric-pressure plasmas. This review discusses the advancements that were required for this transition and implications of studying highly collisional, with respect to the probing frequencies, plasmas. These developments and implications call for a redefinition of the limitations of MCRS, which also impact studies of low-pressure plasmas using the diagnostic method. Moreover, a large collection of recommendations concerning the approach and its potential for future studies is presented. Full article

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25 pages, 9407 KiB

Open AccessReview

Supply Systems of Non-Thermal Plasma Reactors. Construction Review with Examples of Applications

by Henryka Danuta Stryczewska

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(9), 3242; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10093242 - 07 May 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5473

Abstract

A review of the supply systems of non-thermal plasma reactors (NTPR) with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ) and gliding arc discharge (GAD) was performed. This choice is due to the following reasons: these types of electrical discharges produce non-thermal [...] Read more.

A review of the supply systems of non-thermal plasma reactors (NTPR) with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ) and gliding arc discharge (GAD) was performed. This choice is due to the following reasons: these types of electrical discharges produce non-thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure, the reactor design is well developed and relatively simple, the potential area of application is large, especially in environmental protection processes and biotechnologies currently under development, theses reactors can be powered from similar sources using non-linear transformer magnetic circuits and power electronics systems, and finally, these plasma reactors and their power supply systems, as well as their applications are the subject of research conducted by the author of the review and her team from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electrotechnology of the Lublin University of Technology, Poland. Full article

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