Electrolytic plasma technology: Science and engineering—An overview

This paper overviews our present understanding of the fundamentals behind Electrolytic Plasma Technology (EPT) in view of the experimental results and theoretical predictions. EPT is an effective surface engineering tool that combines cleaning and coating of metals. During EPT processing, DC voltage is applied to the electrodes in the aqueous electrolyte, which produces plasma at the surface of the work piece. Thermal, chemical, electrical and mechanical effects imparted by EPT to the work piece create unique surface characteristics. The mechanism and metallurgical aspects of the effects are discussed in detail. EPT is under development for industrial applications in specific processes and is being explored for other potential commercial applications. Both of the aspects are presented. The experimental and industrial tests to date demonstrate that EPT is an emerging surface engineering technique with economical commercial applications in the field of surface engineering.