Mechanical and chemical results in plasma-surface contact a study of sheath parameters

Abstract

Many works have been carried out on the plasma behavior in touch with a solid surface; when the surface material consists of chemical compounds (e.g. oxides of metals), then the plasma chemistry takes place. The present paper contains the final work of Plasma Laboratory at “Demokritos”, which consists of an elaboration of plasma sheath parameters adapted to experimental conditions, a suitable choice of plasma gases (either H2 or N2), and an electric potential current enforcement on objects. Additionally, a brief theory is given to explain the results, with a short reference to both boundary phenomena in thermonuclear reactors and low pressure plasma of glow discharges, so that to reveal the similarities and differences of those two cases. An extensive examination of the treated objects by XRD method gives results, in agreement with theoretical predictions. Using this improvement on plasma restoration system, (a combination of electric current on metallic object into suitable plasma), it is shown that we have better results on the cleaning and conservation of archaeological objects.