Erosion of rod electrodes of the air AC plasma torch

Depending on the plasma-forming mixture, various types of electrode materials are used. If air, carbon dioxide and steam are used, it is optimal to use copper electrodes, since copper has a high thermal conductivity. Copper rod electrodes of an air AC plasma torch are considered. In the binding zone of the electric arc, the electrode material melts and boils, which leads to physical erosion of the electrode. Scanning electron microscopy with elemental analysis, X-ray phase analysis and IR Fourier spectroscopy were used to analyze the products of electrode erosion. The erosion products content copper, iron, nitrogen, oxygen, and other metals from the plasma torch case.