Microwave plasma torch at water surface

journal article in Scopus

English

Argon plasma torch sustained by 2.45 GHz electromagnetic wave can be in contact with water surface or penetrate inside the water depending on the wave power. The propagation of the electromagnetic wave sustaining the discharge in water is problematic: the water dielectric permittivity strongly depends on the wave frequency and the temperature and varies between 6 and 86. At wave frequency of 2.45 GHz and room temperature (20 ºC) its value is 80 which leads to very fast decay of the electromagnetic wave. We have studied both theoretically and experimentally the plasma properties and the electrodynamics of the wave propagation when the gas discharge is in contact with water. Depending on the wave power and the gas flow it is possible to produce plasma with low (room) temperature. The plasma is non-equilibrium one with electron temperature much higher than the gas/liquid temperature. Because of this, many radicals and chemically active particles can be produced even at low temperature. Depending on the regime of operation this kind of discharges can find various applications for surface treatment, sterilization, surface energy change and others, including temperature sensitive materials and liquids treatment.

microwave discharge, atmospheric pressure plasma torch, low-temperature plasma, plasma–water interaction, bio-medical plasma applications

BENOVA, E.; ATANASOVA, M.; BOGDANOV, T.; MARINOVA, P.; KRČMA, F.; MAZÁNKOVÁ, V.; DOSTÁL, L.

30. 9. 2016

1947-5764

Plasma Medicine

6

1

United States of America

59

65

7

http://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/5a5b4a3d419387fb,2cf1e1a94009b3e1.html