Progettazione, realizzazione e caratterizzazione funzionale di sorgenti di plasma atmosferico di non equilibrio per l'idrofobizzazione di fibre tessili

L’attività di tesi ha previsto la progettazione e realizzazione di sorgenti di plasma di non equilibrio a pressione atmosferica e l’individuazione delle condizioni operative ottimali per l’idrofobizzazione di materiali tessili. La prima parte delle attività di tesi hanno riguardato lo studio e l’approfondimento della letteratura scientifica al fine di individuare le sorgenti e i processi plasma assistiti per l’idrofobizzazione dei materiali. Relativamente alle sorgenti di plasma di non-equilibrio a pressione atmosferica, studi di letteratura riportano che sorgenti di tipo APPJ (Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet) consentono di effettuare un trattamento localizzato in un punto, mentre sorgenti DBD (Dielectric Barrier Discharge) risultano idonee a trattamenti di materiali large area. Per quanto riguarda i processi plasma assistiti, sulla base di quanto riportato in letteratura il processo di idrofobizzazione può avvenire principalmente mediante polimerizzazione di gas organici contenenti fluoro, introdotti nella regione di plasma, con la conseguente deposizione di coating fluorurati. Le attività sperimentali condotte durante la tesi hanno avuto l’obbiettivo di valutare la possibilità di rendere idrofobico un filato di fibra tessile naturale mediante l’utilizzo di una sorgente plasma jet operante con miscela di argon e gas organoflorurato. Il filato, messo in moto a diverse velocità, è stato fatto transitare attraverso la piuma di plasma. In particolare, si è passati da una velocità di movimentazione di 1 m/min a una di 10 m/min. I risultati ottenuti hanno evidenziato che maggiore è la velocità di movimentazione del filato attraverso la piuma di plasma, minore è il grado di idrofibizzazione raggiungibile sul filato stesso, in quanto minore è il tempo di esposizione del materiale al plasma. Infine, nell’ultima parte dell’attività di tesi, è stata progettata una sorgente DBD, che caratterizzata da una maggiore area di generazione del plasma rispetto alla sorgente plasma jet, consente di incrementare il tempo di esposizione del filato al plasma a parità di velocità di movimentazione del filato.

Study and implementation of control strategies for polymerization processes assisted by atmospheric pressure plasma jets

In recent years, polymerization processes assisted by atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) have received increasing attention in numerous industrially relevant sectors since they allow to coat complex 3D substrates without requiring expensive vacuum systems. Therefore, advancing the comprehension of these processes has become a high priority topic of research. This PhD dissertation is focused on the study and the implementation of control strategies for a polymerization process assisted by an atmospheric pressure single electrode plasma jet. In the first section, a study of the validity of the Yasuda parameter (W/FM) as controlling parameter in the polymerization process assisted by the plasma jet and an aerosolized fluorinated silane precursor is proposed. The surface characterization of coatings deposited under different W/FM values reveals the presence of two very well-known deposition domains, thus suggesting the validity of W/FM as controlling parameter. In addition, the key role of the Yasuda parameter in the process is further demonstrated since coatings deposited under the same W/FM exhibit similar properties, regardless of how W/FM is obtained. In the second section, the development of a methodology for measuring the energy of reactions in the polymerization process assisted by the plasma jet and vaporized hexamethyldisiloxane is presented. The values of energy per precursor molecule are calculated through the identification and resolution of a proper equivalent electrical circuit. To validate the methodology, these energy values are correlated to the bond energies in the precursor molecule and to the properties of deposited thin films. It is shown that the precursor fragmentation in the discharge and the coating characteristics can be successfully explained according to the obtained values of energy per molecule. Through a detailed discussion of the limits and the potentialities of both the control strategies, this dissertation provides useful insights into the control of polymerization processes assisted by APPJs.

Parton energy loss in heavy-ion collisions via direct-photon and charged-particle azimuthal correlations

Charged-particle spectra associated with direct photon (gamma(dir)) and pi(0) are measured in p + p and Au + Au collisions at center-of-mass energy root(S)(NN) = 200 GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. A shower-shape analysis is used to partially discriminate between gamma(dir) and pi(0). Assuming no associated charged particles in the gamma(dir) direction ( near side) and small contribution from fragmentation photons (gamma(frag)), the associated charged-particle yields opposite to gamma(dir) (away side) are extracted. In central Au + Au collisions, the charged-particle yields at midrapidity (vertical bar eta vertical bar < 1) and high transverse momentum (3 < (assoc)(PT) < 16 GeV/c) associated with gamma(dir) and pi(0) (vertical bar eta vertical bar < 0.9, 8 < (trig)(PT) < 16 GeV/c) are suppressed by a factor of 3-5 compared with p + p collisions. The observed suppression of the associated charged particles is similar for gamma(dir) and pi(0) and independent of the gamma(dir) energy within uncertainties. These measurements indicate that, in the kinematic range covered and within our current experimental uncertainties, the parton energy loss shows no sensitivity to the parton initial energy, path length, or color charge.

Shock wave formation in hot nuclear matter

Assuming that nuclear matter can be treated as a perfect fluid, we study the propagation of perturbations in the baryon density at high temperature. The equation of state is derived from the non-linear Walecka model. The expansion of the Euler and continuity equations of relativistic hydrodynamics around equilibrium configurations lead to the breaking wave equation for the density perturbation. We solve it numerically for this perturbation and follow the propagation of the initial pulses.

Revestimentos a base de Ta/Al2O3 produzidos por aspersão térmica sobre substrato metálico

Metal substrates were coated by thermal spraying plasma torch, they were positioned at a distance of 4 and 5 cm from the nozzle exit of the plasma jet. The starting materials were used for deposition of tantalum oxide powder and aluminium. These two materials were mixed and ground into high-energy mill, then immersed in the torch for the production of alumina coating infused with particles of tantalum with nano and micrometric size. The spraying equipment used is a plasma torch arc not transferred, which operating in the range of 250 A and 80 V, was able to produce enough heat to ignite aluminothermic between Ta2O5 and aluminum. Upon reaching the plasma jet, the mixing powders react with the heat of the blaze, which provides sufficient energy for melting aluminum particles. This energy is transferred through mechanisms of self-propagating to the oxide, beginning a reduction reaction, which then hits on the surface of the substrate and forms a coating on which a composite is formed by a junction metal - ceramic (Ta +Al2O3). The phases and quantification of each were obtained respectively by X-ray diffraction and the Rietveld method. Morphology by scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis by energy dispersive spectroscopy EDS. It was also performed measurements of the substrate roughness, Vickers microhardness measurements in sprays and determination of the electron temperature of the plasma jet by optical emission spectroscopy EEO. The results confirmed the expectation generated around the end product of spraying the mixture Ta2O5 + Al, both in the formation of nano-sized particles and in their final form. The electron excitation temperature was consistent with the purpose of work, in addition, the thermodynamic temperature was efficient for the reduction process of Ta2O5. The electron excitation temperature showed values of 3000, 4500 and 8000 K for flows10, 20 and 30 l / min respectively, these values were taken at the nozzle exit of the plasma jet. The thermodynamic temperature around 1200 ° C, was effective in the reduction process of Ta2O5

Desenvolvimento e caracterização de dispositivos para reposição de filmes finos por descarga em cátodo oco

In the present work we use a plasma jet system with a hollow cathode to deposit thin TiO2 films on silicon substrates as alternative at sol-gel, PECVD, dip-coating e magnetron sputtering techniques. The cylindrical cathode, made from pure titanium, can be negatively polarized between 0 e 1200 V and supports an electrical current of up to 1 A. An Ar/O2 mixture, with a total flux of 20 sccm and an O2 percentage ranging between 0 and 30%, is passed through a cylindrical hole machined in the cathode. The plasma parameters and your influence on the properties of deposited TiO2 films and their deposition rate was studied. When discharge occurs, titanium atoms are sputtered/evaporated. They are transported by the jet and deposited on the Si substrates located on the substrate holder facing the plasma jet system at a distance ranging between10 and 50 mm from the cathode. The working pressure was 10-3 mbar and the deposition time was 10 -60 min. Deposited films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to check the film uniformity and morphology and by X-ray diffraction to analyze qualitatively the phases present. Also it is presented the new dispositive denominate ionizing cage, derived from the active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN), but based in hollow cathode effect, recently developed. In this process, the sample was involved in a cage, in which the cathodic potential was applied. The samples were placed on an insulator substrate holder, remaining in a floating potential, and then it was treated in reactive plasma in hollow cathode regime. Moreover, the edge effect was completely eliminated, since the plasma was formed on the cage and not directly onto the samples and uniformity layer was getting in all sampl

Desenvolvimento e aplicação de microplumas para tratamento de politereftalato de etileno (PET)

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEG

Dispositivo de microdescargas em gases na pressão atmosférica

This work describes the development of an electro-mechanical micro-discharges device operating at ambient condition of pressure and temperature, capable to produce plasma jets for surface finishing. The discharges are produced through a needle shape electrode hollow cathode type by which flows the helium gas. The voltage applied on the electrode is provided for an AC/AC switching voltage converter of full-bridge topology. The converter is energized by a power line of 110/220 VAC, 60 Hz and gives a 1000 V peak-to-peak from 5 kHz to 40 kHz square waveform output. The output frequency is defined by a control signal provided by an external signal generator. The equipment setup includes output acquisition of voltage and current and a photo-detector for photo-electrical measurements, which allows an optical characterization of the plasma jet

Dispositivo de microdescargas em gases na pressão atmosférica

This work describes the development of an electro-mechanical micro-discharges device operating at ambient condition of pressure and temperature, capable to produce plasma jets for surface finishing. The discharges are produced through a needle shape electrode hollow cathode type by which flows the helium gas. The voltage applied on the electrode is provided for an AC/AC switching voltage converter of full-bridge topology. The converter is energized by a power line of 110/220 VAC, 60 Hz and gives a 1000 V peak-to-peak from 5 kHz to 40 kHz square waveform output. The output frequency is defined by a control signal provided by an external signal generator. The equipment setup includes output acquisition of voltage and current and a photo-detector for photo-electrical measurements, which allows an optical characterization of the plasma jet

Biomedical and industrial applications of atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasmas

This dissertation will be focused on the characterization of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet source with an application oriented diagnostic approach and the description of processes supported by this plasma source. The plasma source investigated is a single electrode plasma jet. Schlieren images, optical emission spectra, temperature and heat flux profiles are analyzed to deeply investigate the fluid dynamic, the chemical composition and the thermal output of the plasma generated with a nanosecond-pulsed high voltage generator. The maximum temperature measured is about 45 °C and values close to the room temperature are reached 10 mm down the source outlet, ensuring the possibility to use the plasma jet for the treatment of thermosensitive materials, such as, for example, biological substrate or polymers. Electrospinning of polymeric solution allows the production of nanofibrous non-woven mats and the plasma pre-treatment of the solutions leads to the realization of defect free nanofibers. The use of the plasma jet allows the electrospinnability of a non-spinnable poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) solution, suitable for the production of biological scaffold for the wound dressing.

Revestimentos a base de Ta/Al2O3 produzidos por aspersão térmica sobre substrato metálico

Metal substrates were coated by thermal spraying plasma torch, they were positioned at a distance of 4 and 5 cm from the nozzle exit of the plasma jet. The starting materials were used for deposition of tantalum oxide powder and aluminium. These two materials were mixed and ground into high-energy mill, then immersed in the torch for the production of alumina coating infused with particles of tantalum with nano and micrometric size. The spraying equipment used is a plasma torch arc not transferred, which operating in the range of 250 A and 80 V, was able to produce enough heat to ignite aluminothermic between Ta2O5 and aluminum. Upon reaching the plasma jet, the mixing powders react with the heat of the blaze, which provides sufficient energy for melting aluminum particles. This energy is transferred through mechanisms of self-propagating to the oxide, beginning a reduction reaction, which then hits on the surface of the substrate and forms a coating on which a composite is formed by a junction metal - ceramic (Ta +Al2O3). The phases and quantification of each were obtained respectively by X-ray diffraction and the Rietveld method. Morphology by scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis by energy dispersive spectroscopy EDS. It was also performed measurements of the substrate roughness, Vickers microhardness measurements in sprays and determination of the electron temperature of the plasma jet by optical emission spectroscopy EEO. The results confirmed the expectation generated around the end product of spraying the mixture Ta2O5 + Al, both in the formation of nano-sized particles and in their final form. The electron excitation temperature was consistent with the purpose of work, in addition, the thermodynamic temperature was efficient for the reduction process of Ta2O5. The electron excitation temperature showed values of 3000, 4500 and 8000 K for flows10, 20 and 30 l / min respectively, these values were taken at the nozzle exit of the plasma jet. The thermodynamic temperature around 1200 ° C, was effective in the reduction process of Ta2O5

Trattamento di cellule cancerose mediante plasmi non termici

Con lo sviluppo di sorgenti capaci di sostenere scariche di non equilibrio a pressione atmosferica è nato un notevole interesse per le applicazioni biomediche del plasma, data la generazione nella scarica di una varietà di agenti efficaci in più ambiti. I plasmi di questo tipo, caratterizzati principalmente da una temperatura macroscopica vicina a quella ambiente, sono infatti già utilizzati, ad esempio, per la sterilizzazione, per il trattamento di polimeri per migliorarne la biocompatibilità, e per l’accelerazione del processo di coagulazione del sangue. In questo lavoro verrà presentata un’altra possibilità applicativa, sempre nel settore della plasma medicine, ovvero l’utilizzo dei plasmi per il trattamento di cellule cancerose, che sta avendo un particolare successo a causa dei risultati ottenuti dai vari gruppi di ricerca che sottintendono un suo possibile futuro nel trattamento di neoplasie. Verrà presentata una breve introduzione alla fisica del plasma, mostrando alcuni parametri che caratterizzano questo stato della materia, concentrandosi in particolare sui plasmi non termici o di non equilibrio, per poi passare al processo di ionizzazione del gas. Nel secondo capitolo sono approfondite due sorgenti per la generazione di plasmi non termici, la scarica a barriera dielettrica e il plasma jet. Il terzo capitolo fornisce una preliminare spiegazione degli agenti generati nella scarica e il rapporto che hanno con la materia con cui interagiscono. L’ultimo capitolo è il fulcro della ricerca, e comprende risultati ottenuti negli ultimi anni da vari gruppi di ricerca di molte nazionalità, e una breve parte riguardante la sperimentazione originale svolta anche in mia presenza dal gruppo di ricerca del Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Energia Elettrica e dell’Informazione “Guglielmo Marconi”, rappresentato principalmente dal professor Carlo Angelo Borghi e dal professor Gabriele Neretti.

Jet quenching in a strongly coupled anisotropic plasma

The jet quenching parameter of an anisotropic plasma depends on the relative orientation between the anisotropic direction, the direction of motion of the parton, and the direction along which the momentum broadening is measured. We calculate the jet quenching parameter of an anisotropic, strongly coupled N = 4 plasma by means of its gravity dual. We present the results for arbitrary orientations and arbitrary values of the anisotropy. The anisotropic value can be larger or smaller than the isotropic one, and this depends on whether the comparison is made at equal temperatures or at equal entropy densities. We compare our results to analogous calculations for the real-world quark-gluon plasma and find agreement in some cases and disagreement in others.