Inert Gas Flow Research Articles

EFFECT OF BUILD POSITION ON SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF SLM PRINTED INCONEL 718

The present work investigates the variation of the surface roughness due to the build position of specimens with respect to the inert gas flow direction and re-coater movement direction. Selective laser melting (SLM) method was used to study this effect using Inconel 718 as workpiece material. A total of 21 samples were placed equidistant from each other on the built plate to observe the effect of gas flow and re-coater movement. The effect of these parameters on the printed samples was analyzed in terms of the profile surface roughness parameter such as Ra and Rz in the build direction. The result showed that samples placed near the gas inlet and the re-coater starting position had larger roughness as compared to the samples placed further from the gas inlet and re-coater end position. The result showed that the profile average roughness parameter values varied from Ra = 5.02 µm to 14.7 µm and profile maximum height surface parameter varied from Rz = 47.61 µm to 118.3 µm for all the printed samples. Surface topography of the samples was also studied which showed common printing defects such as cracks, micropores, local solidified melt pools, and dimples. The study opens an avenue to explore and optimize the placement of the printing sample on the build plate with respect to the inlet gas flow and re-coater movement directions for better surface roughness.

Annealing Time Dependence on Creation of SiV, GeV, and SnV in Diamond by Atmospheric Annealing at 1800 °C

The creation of SiV−, GeV−, and SnV− are presented by the atmospheric annealing in the argon flow. Compared to high‐pressure annealing, in which gas cannot flow, atmospheric annealing with an inert gas flow not only causes less degradation of the sample surface but also has the advantage of reducing equipment cost and preparation time. Excessive annealing time has been shown to reduce the amount of centers created. The optimal annealing time that maximizes formations depends on the type of diamond sample and the implanted ions. Furthermore, inspired by the split‐vacancy structure of the group IV–V centers, atmospheric pre‐annealing at 600 °C to increase the amount of di‐vacancy is demonstrated, followed by annealing at 1800 °C for 1 min. A shorter duration of high‐temperature annealing is expected to qualitatively reduce stress and deterioration of the crystallinity of the diamond sample.

Spatter transport in a laser powder-bed fusion build chamber

The adverse effects of spatter particles are well known in laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing. To prevent the deposition of spatter particles, an inert gas flow is commonly used to transport these spatters away from the build plate. However, the inert gas flow does not remove all spatters due to varying spatter sizes and ejection angles. Therefore, it is essential to understand and predict spatter trajectories to achieve superior LPBF parts. The present study focuses on numerical modelling of spatter trajectories in Renishaw AM250 using an Eulerian-Lagrangian discrete phase model. The argon velocity profile and spatter trajectories with and against the flow are computed for various materials, sizes and ejection angles. The simulation results are validated with experimental results and show a presence of uneven flow due to inlet geometry along with varying flow profiles across the build height due to inlet location. Spatter analysis shows three methods which result in spatter deposition. Spatter particles either fall directly on the build plate, are transported by the airflow or are re-directed in the recirculation zone. The findings presented in this work indicate the importance of build chamber design along with material-based parameter optimization that results in maximum spatter removal.

Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Optimization Using the Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology Tool.

This article introduces an eco-friendly method for the reclamation of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP). The research project involved numerous experiments using microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) to explore a range of factors, such as the inert gas flow, the power level, the On/Off frequency of rotation, and the reaction duration. To design the experiments, the three-level Box-Behnken optimization tool was employed. To determine the individual and combined effects of the input parameters on the thermal decomposition of the resin, the data were analyzed using least-squares variance adjustment. The results demonstrate that the models developed in this study were successful in predicting the direct parameters of influence in the microwave-assisted decomposition of CFRPs. An optimal set of operating conditions was found to be the maximum nitrogen flow (2.9 L/min) and the maximum operating experimental power (914 W). In addition, it was observed that the reactor vessel's On/Off rotation frequency and that increasing the reaction time beyond 6 min had no significant influence on the resin elimination percentage when compared to the two other parameters, i.e., power and carrier gas flow rate. Consequently, the above-mentioned conditions resulted in a maximum resin elimination percentage of 79.6%. Following successful MAP, various post-pyrolysis treatments were employed. These included mechanical abrasion using quartz sand, chemical dissolution, thermal oxidative treatment using a microwave (MW) applicator and thermal oxidative treatment in a conventional furnace. Among these post-treatment techniques, thermal oxidation and chemical dissolution were found to be the most efficient methods, eliminating 100% of the carbon black content on the surface of the recovered carbon fibers. Finally, SEM evaluations and XPS analysis were conducted to compare the surface morphology and elementary constitution of the recovered carbon fibers with virgin carbon fibers.

Predictive modeling and multi-parametric optimization of catalytic pyrolysis of disposable face mask using a combinational approach of response surface methodology and machine learning: Insights into the influence of waste-derived catalyst

The current study aims to model and optimize the catalytic pyrolysis of face masks incorporating a waste-derived catalyst to analyze the effect of process parameters (temperature, feed-to-catalyst ratio, and inert gas flow rate) on the oil yield of the process. An integrated approach of response surface methodology (R2-0.95) and machine learning (decision trees regression, R2-0.83) demonstrated a higher prediction accuracy and lower error margins. Explainable artificial intelligence tools spotlighted temperature to be the predominant parameter followed by feed-to-catalyst ratio. Experimental oil yield (13.5%) obtained at optimized parameters (516 °C temperature, 3:1 feed-to-catalyst ratio, and 163 mL/min inert gas flow rate) was compared with those predicted through response surface methodology (13.7%) and decision trees regression (13.12%), showcasing an absolute error range of 0.2–0.4 wt%. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis of oil highlighted the presence of silica compounds that can be extracted as value-added chemicals. Further, the overall percentage of naphthene's, paraffins, and olefins in the oil were approximated to be around 40.5% based on the peak area. The presence of hydrocarbons in oil having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of gasoline and diesel as well as a high heating value of 36.56 MJ/kg demonstrated its potential to be used as a fuel. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of valorizing the face mask into energy-dense oil comparable to commercial range fuel using a spent adsorbent based catalyst.

Continuous casting tundish quality study by mathematical & physical simulations, economics with plant result justifications

A combination of physical modeling, computational fluid dynamics modeling, and economics with plant trial studies was performed for quality improvement of Special Bar Quality (SBQ) and Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) grade tundish steels. The present study consists of operating parameters like inert gas shrouding, non-isothermal conditions, and flow control devices (FCD) used on the billet product and slab quality. This work uses mathematical modeling using the fluid volume and discrete phase method (DPM) and the standard k-ε turbulence model validated with one-third scale physical water model experiments. A strong correlation between the physical model and computational simulation was found with rejection ratio and inclusion counts. Data about customer demands correlated with operating parameters for proper plant insights with an economic study to predict the cost-related issue. With the incorporation of FCD, the weight of the tundish skull was reduced by 6–10 M USD/year with a simulation studies expenditure of around 200 K. FCD also reduced the customer complaint index (CCI).

Spatter-flow interaction behavior under protective gas flow parameters and scanning directions

Spattering is a common issue in selective laser melting (PBF-LB), causing contamination of the powder bed and negatively affecting product quality. One solution to this problem is introducing an inert gas flow that can remove spatter particles. The gas flow's characteristics and interaction with spatter particles depend on process parameters and involve a multi-physical field coupling process. However, current research mainly focuses on spattering behavior under single process conditions and lacks systematic exploration of gas flow characteristics and their interaction with spattering. This paper investigates the gas flow-spatter interaction process in PBF-LB, constructing a coupled model of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Element Method (DEM). The model investigates the effects of inlet height, inlet flow velocity and laser scanning direction on the deposition and removal of spattered particles. The study reveals that flow velocity and inlet height affect the dynamic behavior of spattering by altering the flow distribution, while the laser scanning direction influences spatter dynamics by changing the direction of spatter ejects. The rate of spatter removal increases as the angle between the scanning direction and flow direction, and the flow velocity, increase. Conversely, it decreases as the inlet height increases. This work provides theoretical understanding of the interaction between gas flow characteristics and spattering, which is significant for optimizing printing process parameters and improving printing quality.

Thermo-catalytic co-pyrolysis of waste biomass and non-recyclable polyethylene using ZSM-5 into renewable fuels and value-added chemicals

The present study deals with thermo-catalytic co-pyrolysis of peanut shells (PS) and non-recyclable polyethylene (NRPE) using ZSM-5 at varying ratios (5, 10 and 15 wt%). A tubular fixed bed reactor is used to pyrolyse at 500 °C, 50 °C min−1 heating rate and 100 mL min−1 inert gas flow rates. The feedstock was characterized via proximate analysis, elemental analysis, higher heating value (HHV), biochemical analysis, thermogravimetric analyser (TGA), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) viscosity, density, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), BET surface area, water holding capacity (WHC). Co-pyrolysis results confirmed maximum liquid yield (34.50 %) at 10 wt% of NRPE; however, adding 10 wt% ZSM-5 again boosted the liquid oil yield by 7.87 wt%. Pyrolytic oil characterization results confirmed that adding NRPE and ZSM-5 at 10 wt% decreased viscosity, acidity, and density. However, carbon content, heating value and ash content increased. FTIR examinations of PS confirmed hydrocarbons, acids, water, and oxygenated compounds. GC-MS results were confirmed by adding NRPE and ZSM-5 at 10 wt%; hydrocarbon and furfural increased by 5.31 and 5.46 %, whereas 6.01 % acids and oxygenated compounds decreased, respectively. The results of the char characterisation further supported the findings that adding NRPE (10 wt%) to PS enhanced carbon content and HHV by 11.86 % and 4.35 MJ kg−1 and decreased ash content, oxygen content, and bulk density by 0.75 %, 10.21%, and 71.98 kg m−3, respectively.

Additive manufacturing inert gas flow path strategies for multi-laser powder bed fusion systems and their impact on lattice structure mechanical responses

Multi-laser Additive Manufacturing systems hold great potential to increase productivity. However, adding multiple energy sources to a powder bed fusion system requires careful selection of a laser scan and inert gas flow strategy to optimize component performance. In this work, we explore four different laser scan and argon flow strategies on the quasi-static compressive mechanical response of Body Centered Cubic lattices. Three strategies employ a swim lane method where laser pathing tends to progress parallel to argon flow. Method one only uses a single laser while method two uses four, both with the laser path working against the argon flow. The third method uses four lasers, each operating in their own lane like the second method, but the laser pathing progresses with the argon flow. The fourth method has all four lasers operating in quadrants and the laser pathing trends against the argon flow.The single-laser strategy generally had the lowest mechanical responses compared to the other three strategies. A quadrant strategy generally had the highest quasi-static mechanical responses and was at least 25% greater in stiffness, yield force, ultimate force, and energy absorption when compared to the single laser strategy. However, the four-laser swim strategy where the laser pathing tends against the argon flow was found to be statistically similar to the quadrant strategy. It is hypothesized that spatter introduced onto the powder layer from the melt pool and particle entrainment may be worse for laser pathing which trends with the argon flow direction. Additionally, the additional energy added to the build volume helps to mitigate inter-layer cool time which reduces temperature gradients. This shows that multi-laser AM systems have an impact on part performance and potentially shows lattices built with multi-laser AM systems may have certain advantages over single-laser AM systems.

Enhanced electrical performance of LiMnPO4 by carbon coating for solid-state battery applications

High-energy ball milling was employed to fabricate LiMnPO4 coated with varying carbon ratios (3%wt, 7%wt, and 10%wt), using glucose as a carbon source. The process involved pre-milling of LiMnPO4 precursors, followed by granulation through high-energy ball milling at 270 rpm for 2 h, and subsequent calcination at 700 °C without an inert gas flow. XRD analysis discerned the phases and structure of LiMnPO4, confirming the successful attainment of a single-phase LiMnPO4 without impurities. Rietveld refinement of the XRD data elucidated the crystallographic details, affirming the material's orthorhombic olivine structure with precise lattice parameters, thereby underpinning the structural integrity essential for electrochemical applications. FE-SEM analysis revealed uniformly distributed semi-sphere particles, with sizes ranging from 130 nm for LM to 183 nm for LM-10%C. FTIR analysis delineated the internal modes of vibration in the olivine structure and verified the presence of carbon on the powder surface. Electrical measurements conducted within the frequency range of 20 Hz–100 kHz demonstrated an increase in electrical conductivity with an escalation in carbon concentration, ranging from 31 μΩ−1m−1 to 75 μΩ−1m−1 for 0%C and 10%C, respectively. A temperature-dependent study spanning 30–160 °C revealed stable electrical conductivity behavior for the samples, with a marginal increase observed at elevated temperatures.

Assessing the Viability of GeO2/GeO Redox Thermochemical Cycle for Converting CO2 into Solar Fuels

The solar thermochemical process of splitting CO2, known as CDS, is studied here using a redox cycle involving GeO2/GeO. The required thermodynamic data for a second-law-efficiency analysis is obtained from the HSC Chemistry software. The goal of this study is to investigate how different parameters, such as the operating temperatures and molar flow rate of the inert sweep gas, as well as the inclusion of separation units, heat exchangers, heaters, and coolers, can affect the solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency of the GeO2/GeO cycle. All calculations assume a constant gas-to-gas heat recovery effectiveness of 0.5. The analysis shows that the solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency is lower at a thermal reduction temperature of 1600 K (11.9%) compared to 2000 K. This is because high energy duties are required for heater-2, heater-3, and separator-1 due to the need for a higher inert gas flow rate. After conducting a comparative analysis of the three CDS cycles, it can be inferred that the GeO2/GeO cycle exhibits a significantly higher solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency in comparison to the ZnO/Zn and SnO2/SnO cycles across all thermal reduction temperatures. According to the comparison, it is confirmed that the GeO2/GeO CDS cycle can achieve a reasonably high solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency of 10% at less than 1600 K. On the other hand, ZnO/Zn and SnO2/SnO CDS cycles require a thermal reduction temperature of more than 1850 K to achieve a solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency of 10%.

OXIDATIVE REGENERATION OF METAL COMPLEX CATALYTIC SYSTEM

When carrying out thermocatalytic destruction of hydrocarbon feedstock, catalysts are deactivated due to the formation of surface coke, which blocks active centers. In order to restore their previous activity and selectivity, as well as extend their service life, a process of catalyst regeneration is carried out. One of the effective methods for restoring the original activity of deactivated catalysts is oxidative regeneration, which is based on the oxidation of coke deposits on the surface of the catalyst. The article examines the dependences of the formation of surface coke when varying the temperature regime of the process from 450 °C to 550 °C during the thermocatalytic destruction of heavy petroleum feedstock – West Siberian oil fuel oil in the presence of a new metal complex catalytic system, where the active component is a chloroferrate complex (NaFeCl4 or TCFN) in an amount 10 %, deposited on a carrier, which is a deeply decationized Ymmm zeolite of the acidic form (H-form). The patterns of oxidative regeneration of a metal-complex catalytic system were studied by distilling off highly volatile products in a flow of inert gas (helium) and oxygen-containing gas. During the experiments, it was found that with an increase in the temperature of the thermocatalytic destruction process from 450 °C to 550 °C, a slight increase in coarse deposits on the surface of the catalyst was observed from 2,6 % wt. up to 3,5 % wt. respectively. When carrying out the process of oxidative regeneration of a carbonized catalyst with air oxygen (in a flow of helium) at a temperature of 500 °C for 60 min only volatile components are initially removed, and further calcination takes up to 180 min allows for complete burning of surface coke.

Comparison of Degassing Efficiency on a Foundry Degassing Unit Using Different Rotor Types

The present paper describes a comparison of the efficiency of different types of rotors used in the refining of aluminium melt at a foundry degassing unit (FDU). Physical modelling was used to obtain data for six different rotor types under defined experimental conditions. In order to evaluate the data from the physical model, an evaluation method based on the interpolation of degassing curves was developed in such a way that the resulting characteristic can be expressed by a single parameter. Using the new methodology, the datasets were replaced by a single dimensionless parameter, a, which characterizes the rotor performance at a given gas flow rate. Based on the comparison of these performance parameters, it was possible to mutually compare the rotor efficiency depending on the selected conditions. The comparison is also demonstrated on the expected degassing time to a certain required concentration. Based on the physical model results, the study found that rotor D had the highest degassing efficiency, followed by rotors F and A. Rotors B and E had similar efficiency at a flow rate of 17 Nl·min−1. However, rotor B showed better efficiency at higher inert gas flow rates (19 and 21 Nl·min−1), while rotor E showed better efficiency at lower flow rates (13 and 15 Nl·min−1).

Effects of dead volume and inert sweep gas flow on photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over Pt/TiO2

In this study, the effects of dead volume and sweep gas flow rate on photocatalytic hydrogen production over Pt/TiO2 were examined to determine their possible impact on hydrogen production rates. Five different dead volumes (15, 45, 75, 190, 425 ml) under constant reaction solution and interfacial area experimented by using custom made reactors. It was found that higher dead volumes in the gas phase inversely affect the measured hydrogen production. The difference between highest and lowest H2 production rates (at steady state) among five dead volumes is found as 30 μmol/h gcat which is 24% of the highest rate. On the other hand, the difference due to sweep gas flow rates (15, 30, 45 ml/min Ar) was not as significant. It was concluded from these results that measured hydrogen production rate in photocatalytic systems depend strongly on the reactor size through gas phase dead volume and operational factors like sweep gas flowrate. The difference between highest and lowest hydrogen production rates for different dead volumes or sweep gas flow rates is too great to ignore when the average photocatalytic hydrogen production levels (∼500 μmol/h gcat) in the literature are considered. Uncertainties associated with these factors together with well-known difficulties in measurement (or reporting) of the amount of energy and the characteristics of light absorbed by the reaction solution make the comparison of results from different studies impossible. The results of this study confirm the need for standard protocols of measurement and testing in the photocatalysis field in general, and photocatalytic hydrogen production particularly.

Carbonaceous catalysts (biochar and activated carbon) from agricultural residues and their application in production of biodiesel: A review

Carbonaceous catalysts obtained from agricultural residue could have potential in the production of biofuels such as biodiesel. This review paper discusses the preparation conditions (temperature, heating rate, hold time, inert gas flow rate, etc play key roles in development of textural characteristics of the catalysts) and functionalization methods of biochar and activated carbon derived from agricultural residues and their application to produce biodiesel. Research works reported in achieving maximum yield of biodiesel in terms of variable precursors, alcohol-to-oil ratio, reaction time and temperatures have been profoundly tabulated. Effect of textural properties of the biochar and activated carbon (such as surface area, total pore volume, average pore size, and functional group attached with the catalyst) on the biodiesel yield are examined. Studies on Regeneration and reusing of the spent catalysts are carefully inspected. The economic evaluation studies for the biochar and activated carbon and the applications of these for biodiesel production are scrutinized. Finally, the strategies to increase biomass and catalyst productivity, future prospect and research directions to enhance biofuel/biodiesel production and for the development of biochar and activated carbon from agricultural residues for sustainable biodiesel production is suggested.

Optimizing reaction conditions for the light-driven hydrogen evolution in a loop photoreactor.

Photocatalytic hydrogen production from water is a promising way to fulfill energy demands and attain carbon emission reduction goals effectively. In this study, a loop photoreactor with a total volume of around 500 mL is presented for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution using a Pt-loaded polymeric carbon nitride photocatalyst under 365 nm irradiation in the presence of sacrificial reducing agents. The fluid flow pattern of the developed photoreactor was characterized experimentally and the photon flux incident to the loop photoreactor was measured by chemical actinometry. The system displayed exceptional stability, with operation sustained over 70 hours. A design of experiment (DOE) analysis was used to systematically investigate the influence of key parameters - photon flux, photocatalyst loading, stirring speed, and inert gas flow rate - on the hydrogen generation rate. Linear relationships were found between hydrogen evolution rate and photon flux as well as inert gas flow rate. Photocatalyst loading and stirring speed also showed linear correlations, but could not be correctly described by DOE analysis. Instead, linear single parameter correlations could be applied. Notably, the loop photoreactor demonstrated an external photon efficiency up to 17 times higher than reported in literature studies, while scaling the reactor size by a factor of 10.

Efficient laser methods for producing spherical powders

A new process of laser gas atomization has been developed to obtain a spherical metal powder with a particle size of 30-100 μm using laser beams of conical geometry. A process for obtaining a spherical powder in a wide size range of 50 nm - 100 μm, in which a continuous near-surface optical discharge with a temperature of 20 kK is formed using conical laser beams in an inert gas flow, into which the material is introduced in the form of a wire or a powder flow has been designed. Particle condensation is strongly and rapidly quenched by the inert gas flow, resulting in high supersaturation. The efficiency of the proposed laser methods for producing powders is up to 0.5 kg/kWh at an electric power of 16 kW, while the existing, most efficient methods of plasma and gas spraying provide an efficiency of no better than 0.1-0.25 kg/h kW. The method can be used to obtain powders from various materials - metals, ceramics, plastics, suspensions. The new process of laser centrifugal atomization has been elaborated. Melting or evaporation of the end of a rotating hollow cylinder by a laser system ensures a highly efficient process for obtaining spherical powder in the nano and micro size range

Sublimation of pyridine derivatives: fundamental aspects and application for two-component crystal screening.

The saturated vapour pressures of five heterocyclic compounds containing the pyridine fragment, namely, three isomers of aminopyridine (2-aminopyridine (2AmPy), 3-aminopyridine (3AmPy), and 4-aminopyridine (4AmPy)); 3-hydroxypyridine (3OHPy) and 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine (ImPy), were measured at appropriate temperature intervals using a transpiration (inert gas flow) method. The standard molar enthalpies, entropies, and Gibbs energies of sublimation for all the studied substances were determined. Among the compounds studied, the largest value of ΔH298sub was observed for ImPy. The influence of substitution and the effects of hydrogen bonds in the crystal lattices on sublimation parameters are discussed herein. The reliable dependences relating ΔG298sub to Tfus and ΔH298sub to ΔG298sub were plotted. A comparative analysis of several calculation schemes for the estimation of sublimation enthalpy and Gibbs free energy was carried out. Thermodynamic parameters obtained in this study were applied for the evaluation of cocrystallisation thermodynamic functions for two-component crystals (virtual screening) on the basis of the studied substituted pyridines.

Initial experiments to regenerate the surface of plasma-facing components by wire-based laser metal deposition

Plasma-facing components (PFC) in nuclear fusion reactors are exposed to demanding conditions during operation. The combination of thermal loads, plasma exposure as well as neutron induced damage and activation limits the number of materials suitable for this application. Due to its properties, tungsten (W) is foreseen as plasma-facing material (PFM) for the future DEMOnstration power plant. It is considered suitable due to its exceptionally high melting point, excellent thermal conductivity, low tritium retention and low erosion resistance during plasma exposure. But even tungsten armored PFCs have a limited lifetime due to, among other factors, surface erosion and the resulting thickness reduction of the armor material.In-situ local deposition of tungsten by means of additive manufacturing (AM) could counteract surface erosion and thus increase the service life span of PFCs. After evaluation of the potential AM processes qualified for this task, the wire-based laser metal deposition (LMD-w) process was selected as the most suitable process. First trials were conducted to examine if it is possible to reliably deposit tungsten onto tungsten substrate using the LMD-w process. In these first studies, single welding beads were generated, and in later experiments, entire layers were created from several welding beads which are arranged next to each other. To ensure reproducibility of the results, the substrate temperature was kept constant. Further experiments aimed at the elimination or minimization of problems such as oxidation, occurrence of balling defects, porosity, cracking, surface waviness and insufficient connection to the substrate. To increase the welding bead quality, the input parameters like laser power, deposition velocity, wire feed rate, inert gas flow, as well as the wire position were optimized. Furthermore, stacking of several layers, as well as the remelting of an already created layer, were carried out and investigated. This study represents the first steps in testing the feasibility of an in-situ surface regeneration concept for PFCs.

Synthesis of magnesium oxide and zinc oxide powders in a glow discharge plasma at atmospheric pressure

Investigation of the processes involved in the synthesis of magnesium oxide and zinc oxide powders using the thermal effects of an atmospheric-pressure glow discharge plasma in an inert gas flow are described. The discharge operates in a repetitively pulsed mode with pulse repetition rate of several tens of kilohertz and pulse duration up to 12 μs, discharge current of 600 mA and voltage up to 300 V. These parameters lead to thermal erosion of magnesium or zinc inserts in a molybdenum crucible. The chemical and phase composition of the erosion products were determined using TEM/EDS and X-ray diffraction analysis, and the composition of the plasma was assessed by optical emission spectrometry. This experimental approach allows fabrication of powders of these metal oxides with characteristic particle size 10–50 nm, and the formation of coatings of these materials in a one-step process.