Design and Characterization of Microwave Assisted Plasma Spray Deposition System: Application to Eu Doped Y₂O₃ Nano-Particle Coatings

Author

Marek Radoslaw Merlak, University of South Florida

Graduation Year

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Granting Department

Physics

Major Professor

Sarath Witanachchi, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Pritish Mukherjee, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Myung Kim, Ph.D.

Keywords

Pyrolysis, Microwave Plasma, Y2O3:Eu Phosphor, Nano-Particle

Abstract

This thesis presents a Microwave Plasma Assisted Spray Deposition (MPASD) system design, characterization, and application to produce nano-sized particle coatings of metal oxides. A commercially available rectangular waveguide microwave power delivery system is utilized to initiate and sustain the plasma discharge within the customized plasma applicator where micron-sized droplets of a metal ion solution are heated to evaporate the solvent and thermally process the resulting nano-sized particles. The investigation of optimum conditions for oxygen, argon, and air plasma ignition in the MPASD system was presented. Measured electron temperature of the plasma was between 6000K and 40000K for the plasma conditions used in the MPASD process. Successful deposition of Y₂O₃:Eu nano-particles using the MPASD system was achieved. MPASD process allows control of the particle's properties, shown through XRD and photoluminescence studies of the Y₂O₃:Eu coatings. The MPASD process settings effect on particles activated doping concentration and, as a result, its photoluminescence was shown.

Scholar Commons Citation

Merlak, Marek Radoslaw, "Design and Characterization of Microwave Assisted Plasma Spray Deposition System: Application to Eu Doped Y₂O₃ Nano-Particle Coatings" (2010). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/1711