Applications of low temperature plasmas

Low temperature plasmas are used very widely in a technological process and products.

In addition to the applications detailed by Ben in the video above, low temperature plasmas are used to:

• make heat reflecting layers for energy efficient windows
• make coatings to strengthen materials such as drill bits
• modify the surface of plastics to improve adherence of ink used in printing processes
• break down harmful gases (such as nitrous oxides) produced in industrial processes

There are still new applications being researched. For example, can low temperature plasmas be used to sterilise food to extend its shelf life? Can we use low temperatures plasmas to create fertiliser to increase crop growth? And, as we will explore in the next step, can we use low temperature plasmas in rocket propulsion?

You probably hadn’t realised that plasma was so widely used in industry. Why not let us know which applications have surprised you the most in the comments below?