Application of the ballistic plasmatron of superadiabatic compression for surface treatment

Application of a homogeneous dense plasma generated by superadiabatic gas compression in ballistic plasmatron for surface treatment was considered. It is shown that homogeneous dense plasma can be generated with unique parameters: the temperature ∼ 10 000 K under compressive pressure ∼ 1000 atm. Such a plasma emits powerful light radiation up to 100 J/cm2 energy density that can be used to surface harden treated material.The concept of superadiabatic compression is described. The experimental ballistic plasmatrons are presented and some experimental results upon processing and surface treatment are considered. The capability of fast high-temperature surface processing (FHTSP) for metals and ceramics inside the ballistic plasmatron are discussed. This technology provides a unique opportunity for deep surface hardening, coating or even amorphous film formation due to homogeneous quick heating and cooling of the whole gas volume in which material is immersed. The necessary plasma parameters for effective hardening and modification of a superficial layer are estimated. The possibilities for FHTSP usage in three main operation modes are analysed: surface modification, cleaning and coating.