Using Sodium Borate Glass for a Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD)

Abstract

This study focuses on the utilization of low temperature plasma technologies in conjunction with glass dielectric samples. It is a joint effort between Coe College's and Seton Hall University's physics departments. Sodium borate (xNa₂O·(1-x)B₂O₃) and sodium silicate (xNa₂O·(1-x)SiO₂) glasses were synthesized at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The project investigates the role of glass at Seton Hall as a dielectric component in Dielectric Barrier Discharges (DBD) plasma generation. DBD plasmas are created between metal plates covered by a dielectric layer, which suppresses current and promotes diffusion losses to maintain a low gas temperature. However, there is a lack of research on the glass component's influence on plasma formation.

To address this, glasses with varying compositions xNa₂O·(1-x)B₂O₃ or xNa₂O·(1-x)SiO₂, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 were prepared by weighing out appropriate amounts of sodium carbonate, silica, and boric acid powders in a platinum crucible and heating them at 1100 °C – 1300 °C. They were then sent to Seton Hall to gain insights into the dielectric properties of these glass samples and develop new materials for enhanced control of plasma formation. Applications being studied include O₃, H₂, and OH₂ formations.

Supported by National Science Foundation (NSF) grants for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) — #1950330 — and Research in primarily Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) — #2203142.