Flexible plasma electrode design for effective treatment of irregular surfacesSurface activation or cleaning by cold plasma treatment is getting more and more attention. Current plasma based solutions have mostly fixed electrodes, which are only suited for planar surfaces. Scientists at the HAWK developed a plasma device with flexible electrodes, which allow treatment of irregular surfaces. ChallengeThe plasma treatment conditions for optimal results heavily dependent on the material and the surface appearance. Hence, for every and each different object/surface to be treated, plasma devices with fixed electrodes would not only require optimization of the electrical parameter but would in addition require a new electrode design. Our SolutionScientists at the HAWK, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Germany, developed a plasma device with flexible electrodes that align with the treated surfaces for optimal plasma generation and treatment. ApplicationsDue to the flexible electrode design, new application fields can be explored, e.g. hand disinfection, germ reduction in food industry, pest control in farming industry or smart repair in automobile industry. Developmental StatusFlexible electrode designs have been developed and tested using laboratory prototypes for hand disinfection and for pest control (plants).
The figure illustrates an embodiment of the invention (1) with two opposing arrays of electrode loops (2). The treated object (e.g. hand) will be placed in between these two arrays. The flexible electrodes will align with the irregular surface for optimal plasma treatment. Source: DE102015112200. Patent StatusAn international patent application has been filed (Applicant: HAWK, University of Applied Sciences and Arts). ReferencesContactDr. Stefan Uhle |
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