| The feasibility of using a gas plasma to inhibit ultrafine ceramic powders from agglomerating during processing was explored. The agglomeration that usually occurs after formation and during collection of ultrafine ceramic powders is one of the largest obstacles to their widespread use. By immersing the particles into a plasma immediately after they are formed, it is believed that a sufficient charge can be imparted onto the particle surfaces to generate enough inter-particle repulsion to stop or greatly reduce particle agglomeration. The mechanisms by which a plasma can charge the surfaces of particles and affect the agglomeration behavior of particles suspended in a gaseous medium are discussed. Several prototype materials that are suitable for colloidal plasma processing are also discussed. |
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