Desenvolvimento de um reator de plasma eletrolítico para tratamento de materiais

Abstract

The development of new superficial treatments for biocompatibility is an important theme in the current materials engineering scenario. Due to their characteristics, electrolytic plasma treatments have been studied to create such surfaces. In the work here presented, an electrolytic plasma reactor is developed with improved process parameter control, such as temperature, treatment area and electrolyte concentration. After the development of the conceptual project, a viability analysis was made, the preliminary project described and a detailed project developed with ease of manufacture in mind. Posteriorly, a prototype reactor was built, which was tested and characterized in regard to process temperature, electrolyte concentration maintenance, process current and electric tension, treatment area delimitation, and final treated surface characteristics. The addition of a cooling system, magnetic stirrer and treatment area delimitation have proven effective in improving parameter control, however electrolyte concentration maintenance was not possible.