Abstract: An apparatus for low temperature plasma treatment of powder particles for modifying the surface properties thereof, comprising means for the creation of a low pressure zone and, in association therewith, at least one cascade arc torch generator to form a plasma torch which is directed into said low pressure zone, means for the supply by gravity of powder particles to be treated into said low pressure zone and conduit means for the removal of the treated powder particles from said low pressure zone, said cascade arc generator having an orientation such that said plasma torch enters said low pressure zone at a downward angle (.alpha.) to the horizontal of from about 15.degree. to about 60.degree., and said conduit means being directed away from said plasma torch at an upward angle (.beta.) to the horizontal of from about 15.degree. to about 80.degree.

Abstract: A process for the surface treatment of individual particles of a pulverulent material to improve the surface properties thereof. The process includes a plasma-generating apparatus for generating a plasma in a plasmagenerator while supplying an inert gas at a high drift velocity into the generator to form a low temperature plasma flame which is directed into a low pressure zone. Subsequently, the pulverulent material is injected into the high velocity inert gas or into the base of the plasma flame to disintegrate any particle aggregate present in the material. The low temperature plasma acts on the surface of each individual particle to improve the properties thereof. The treated particles can then be recovered from the zone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arrangement of cascade arc plasma torches in a process for plasma polymerization. The arrangement is utilized in low temperature plasma polymerization coating and utilizes a plasma reactor with concentric electroconductive rings separated by insulator rings. The rings are positioned between electrode connectors and form a central passage through the plasma reactor. A voltage supply source provides a voltage across the plasma reactor so as to initiate and continue the polymerization coating process. Downstream of the plasma reactor, an arrangement is provided by which monomeric gas is fed into a passage at a downstream end of the reactor so as to enable plasma polymerization.