FORMATION OF SELF-ORGANIZED AND PLANAR STRUCTURES IN A MICROPLASMA OF A SPARK DISCHARGE

• Main Authors: Igor I. Dolgih, Dmitry V. Avdeev, Tatiana V. Kulikova, Bityutskaya Larisa A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Voronezh State University 2018-06-01
• Series: Конденсированные среды и межфазные границы
• Subjects: micro plasma; micro particles; layered precursors; spark discharge; self-organization.
• ISSN: 1606-867X; 1606-867X

We studied the action of the pulsed micro plasma on the layered materials with the different interlayer bond energy. The pulsed micro plasma was generated by the spark discharges between the two pieces of studied material in dry air at normal conditions in an open reactor. The 20kV spark discharges were generated with induction coil and had the duration from 10 to 20 us, controlled with an oscilloscope with a capacitive sensor. The generated particles were accumulated on the duct tape underneath the electrodes. Three types of particles were observed – droplets, fractals and planar structures. Droplets were produced by surface melting of the electrode material with the subsequent separation of a drop. The drops had different forms depending on the material. Sb produced spheres, Bi formed spheres covered symmetrically with round tips, InSb produced twisted structures. The planar structures were produced by the fi eld exfoliation of the electrode material. Fractals were produced on the electrodes because of the circular evaporation and condensation of the material in pulsed plasma. The ratio of these three effects was determined by the degree of anisotropy of the processed material and by its melting point. Antimony produced many droplets, fractals and layers, because of its low melting point and high anisotropy. Bi produced droplets, fractals and a little amount of exfoliated layers because of its low anisotropy. SiC did not melt or evaporate at the temperature of the discharge but exfoliated, so it produced planar structures. The results may be used in the production of micro and nano particles needed to create hybrid materials.