This research is concerned with the establishment of an engineering base for the synthesis and processing of refractory powders in thermal plasmas. The emphasis of the work is on the development, analysis, and diagnostics of a radio-frequency of plasma reactor, suitable for the synthesis of refractory powders, in particular of simple and complex metal oxides. Diagnostic methods include emission spectroscopy, laser-Doppler anemometry, laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, and high speed photography. The refractory powders are analyzed using primarily electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, BET and Auger Spectroscopy. Modeling work is to include the plasma reactor itself, the particle motion, heating, melting, and evaporation in the plasma, and the ensuing chemical reactions and product formation.
