Sol–Gel-Derived Corrosion-Protection Coatings

There is a current need for alternative coatings that can provide corrosion resistance to metals or alloy surfaces due to the environmental hazards posed by conventional coatings. Herein, we report on novel organically-modified sol–gel coatings for the protection of metal and alloy surfaces. The basic concept of chemical conversion of metal surfaces is based on deposition of a hydrophobic, nonporous sol–gel barrier layer for surface protection and corrosion prevention. The properties of these organosilica coatings can be tuned by varying the composition of precursors. The evaluation of hydrophobicity, adhesive strength, and anticorrosion properties of organically-modified sol–gel derived coatings suggests their potential utility as technologically-compatible alternatives to conventional coatings.     

Coupled Sliding Discharges: A Scalable Nonthermal Plasma System Utilizing Positive and Negative Streamers on Opposite Sides of a Dielectric Layer

A nonthermal plasma system based on simultaneously formed positive and negative streamers on either side of a dielectric layer is described. The coupled sliding discharge (CSD) reactor based on this concept was found to be scalable by stacking and operating multiple electrode assemblies in parallel, similarly to the shielded sliding discharge (SSD) reactor reported earlier. A comparison of the two systems showed that although the energy density in the CSD reactor was lower, the efficiency for NO conversion and ozone synthesis from dry air were significantly higher. The energy cost for 50 % NO removal was ~30 eV/molecule compared to ~60 eV/molecule in the case of the SSD under the same conditions of 330 ppm initial NO concentration in air. The energy cost decreased to ~12 eV/molecule in both cases when NO was mixed with plasma-activated air at the outlet of the reactor to utilize ozone for NO conversion i.e., indirect plasma treatment. The energy yield for ozone generation from dry air was at ~70 g/kWh, comparable in both systems. The results show that the concept of a CSD, as that of SSDs, allows the construction of compact, efficient plasma reactors.     

Electrical characteristics of pulsed glow discharges

The i-v characteristics, energy partitioning, and time evolution of the discharge current and reduced field (E/N) for a nitrogen discharge are simulated using a self-consistent calculation of the electron energy distribution function and the vibrational level populations. The model includes diffusion losses and takes account of the external circuit parameters. The results discussed are for pressures of 1-100 torr, discharge currents in the range of 10^-3-5.0 A, and a reduced field (E/N) in the range of 150-250 Td. For a typical discharge in a tube of 2-cm diam. and a current of a few amperes, the results show that the energy stored in the vibrational manifold saturates a few milliseconds after the initiation of the discharge     

Streamer discharge simulation in flue gas

Streamer discharges are formed in a dielectric-barrier discharge used for nonthermal plasma generation. The results of simulation of streamer type discharge in a flue gas mixture is reported. A Monte Carlo simulation is done to obtain the transport and appropriate rate coefficients. The transport and rate coefficients calculated from the Monte Carlo is used to solve the conservation equations for electron, positive and negative ions, together with the Poisson's equation. The G-factor (radicals produced per 100 eV of electrical energy input to the discharge) obtained for Townsend-type discharge is higher as compared to a streamer-type discharge. Also experimental results of the SO₂ removal efficiency is compared to theoretical predictions     

Computer-generated images of streamer propagation in nitrogen

We present the computer-generated images of streamer propagation in an overvolted parallel plate gap at atmospheric pressure. Two-dimensional colored images of cross sections of streamers and electric field are presented. The results show the filamentary nature of the streamers and the strong field distortions caused by the space charge     

Experimental investigation of microdischarges in adielectric-barrier discharge

We studied the dielectric barrier discharge in helium and air at atmospheric pressure. Time resolved charge-coupled device camera images along with current waveforms show that a dielectric-barrier discharge can be operated in the diffused mode in a gas like helium. However, in air, the discharge consists of numerous microdischarges