Plasma is the fourth state of matter. Many places teach that there are three states of matter; solid, liquid and gas, but there are actually four. The fourth is plasma. To put it very simply, a plasma is an ionized gas, a gas into which sufficient energy is provided to free electrons from atoms or molecules and to allow both species, ions and electrons, to coexist.
The funny thing about that is, that as far as we know, plasmas are the most common state of matter in the universe. They are even common here on earth. A plasma is a gas that has been energized to the point that some of the electrons break free from, but travel with, their nucleus. Gases can become plasmas in several ways, but all include pumping the gas with energy. A spark in a gas will create a plasma. A hot gas passing through a big spark will turn the gas stream into a plasma that can be useful. Plasma torches like that are used in industry to cut metals. The biggest chunk of plasma you will see is that dear friend to all of us, the sun. The sun’s enormous heat rips electrons off the hydrogen and helium molecules that make up the sun. Essentially, the sun, like most stars, is a great big ball of plasma.
PLASMA FOR MEDICAL DEVICE
Plasma is the only successful method for treating the surface
of chemical-resistant materials. Plasma cleaning removes
organic materials that can prohibit desired bond strengths.
In addition, plasma treatment can add functional groups to
the surface, changing the surface chemistries for improved
lubricity and surface adhesion. The following paper will
explore the plasma processes used for surface modification
of the various material types used in the manufacture of
medical devices.
Related articles
- Plasma therapy: An alternative to antibiotics? (eurekalert.org)
- Plasma therapy: An alternative to antibiotics? (scienceblog.com)
