Ceramic processing of DBD plasma activated powders: the analysis of surface changes

To clarify the character of underlying processes of improved performance mediated by plasma activation of ceramic powders we have performed a thorough analysis of activated surfaces by means of FTIR, XPS, SEM, thermoluminescence (TL) and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). TDS pointed out the importance of DBD originated molecular gases, adsorbed of the powders surface. When the amount of plasma introduced species was gradually reduced by a sequenced thermal desorption at successively increased temperatures, at temperatures above 300°C the positive EPD effect was lost completely. This particular temperature was in excellent agreement with the activation temperature for desorption of plasma introduced adsorbed species.