Bringing more and more energy to matter modifies its original states : from solid to liquid, then from liquid to gas. Adding even more energy lead to ionization phenomena. Gas atoms and molecules are split into excited, charged and energetic particles like ions, radicals and free electrons. When all the particles have the same energy ( thermodynamic equilibrium) the plasma is considerd as "hot". If the electrons has a higher energy than the ions, the plasma is "cold". This particular state appears under specific conditions like low pressure or using HF voltages and allows chemical reactions to occur at low temperature. Cleaning,deposition, functionalization process are possible using the higly energetic electrons at room temperature.
Plasma is sometimes considered as "the fourth state of matter".
Atmospheric plasmas are generally produced by creating electrical discharges in air between two electrodes situated in the torch chamber. The plasma is then blown away using an a high gas flow and is directed towards the surface to be treated. The Ionjet technology is radicaly different as the plasma is created by a microwave antenna outside the torch for more efficiency and new applications
Atmospheric plasma torch is like a continuous flow of highly reactive chemical species. The technology allows to clean, activate and functionalize surfaces of any kind. Wettability is enhanced and higher surface cleanliness reached.
