Abstract: An apparatus and method for the low temperature carbonization of a continuous tow of polymeric material fiber, such as PAN or other carbon fiber precursor materials at atmospheric pressure in an inert gas (usually nitrogen or argon) is disclosed. A pair of antennas are arranged within an electromagnetic cavity and face each other in an edgewise fashion for direct electromagnetic heating of the fiber tow as it passes between them. Supplemental background heating increases the dielectric loss of the fiber tow in order to improve absorption of electromagnetic energy and prevent arcing. The invention produces a higher density low temperature carbonized fiber in a shorter residence time compared to conventional low temperature carbonization.

Abstract: A plasma treatment method that includes providing treatment chamber including an intermediate heating volume and an interior treatment volume. The interior treatment volume contains an electrode assembly for generating a plasma and the intermediate heating volume heats the interior treatment volume. A work piece is traversed through the treatment chamber. A process gas is introduced to the interior treatment volume of the treatment chamber. A plasma is formed with the electrode assembly from the process gas, wherein a reactive species of the plasma is accelerated towards the fiber tow by flow vortices produced in the interior treatment volume by the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A plasma treatment method that includes providing treatment chamber including an intermediate heating volume and an interior treatment volume. The interior treatment volume contains an electrode assembly for generating a plasma and the intermediate heating volume heats the interior treatment volume. A work piece is traversed through the treatment chamber. A process gas is introduced to the interior treatment volume of the treatment chamber. A plasma is formed with the electrode assembly from the process gas, wherein a reactive species of the plasma is accelerated towards the fiber tow by flow vortices produced in the interior treatment volume by the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A plasma treatment method that includes providing treatment chamber including an intermediate heating volume and an interior treatment volume. The interior treatment volume contains an electrode assembly for generating a plasma and the intermediate heating volume heats the interior treatment volume. A work piece is traversed through the treatment chamber. A process gas is introduced to the interior treatment volume of the treatment chamber. A plasma is formed with the electrode assembly from the process gas, wherein a reactive species of the plasma is accelerated towards the fiber tow by flow vortices produced in the interior treatment volume by the electrode assembly.

Abstract: The present general inventive concept discloses a ceramic composite substrate that, with proper construction and proper excitation, can generate uniform plasma throughout the substrate for fluid flow treatment to influence a change in its chemical, electrical or physical properties, and method for generating plasma throughout the substrate. The ceramic substrate can include fibrous or sintered semiconducting material, and can include optional structural fiber for support of the semiconducting materials, as well as an optional auxiliary thermal heating source for cleaning excess particulate matter.

Abstract: A plasma treatment method that includes providing treatment chamber including an intermediate heating volume and an interior treatment volume. The interior treatment volume contains an electrode assembly for generating a plasma and the intermediate heating volume heats the interior treatment volume. A work piece is traversed through the treatment chamber. A process gas is introduced to the interior treatment volume of the treatment chamber. A plasma is formed with the electrode assembly from the process gas, wherein a reactive species of the plasma is accelerated towards the fiber tow by flow vortices produced in the interior treatment volume by the electrode assembly.