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Spatial distribution and mechanism analysis in deposits from an Al–PTFE propellant ablation plasma plume
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DOI：10.1088/1361-6463/ae627b.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
The interaction between transient ablation plasmas and surfaces governs contamination and performance in pulsed plasma thrusters and related devices. Using nanosecond laser ablation as a controllable plasma source, this study investigates the deposition characteristics of aluminum–polytetrafluoroethylene propellant under high-vacuum conditions. Spatially resolved collection and multi-scale characterization (confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy) reveal a strong correlation between plume dynamics and deposit properties. The results suggest pronounced spatial anisotropy in deposition, which appears to be associated with laser-induced momentum and asymmetric plume expansion. A systematic morphological evolution is observed: from a porous, ballistically aggregated network in the high-flux core, to dense, thermally sintered (and cracked) ceramic films, and finally to carbon-dominated spherical particulates via gas-phase nucleation and subsequent condensation in the periphery. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy unveils a sharp chemical stratification: central regions retain high F and Al concentrations, suggesting near-field reactive deposition and in-flight condensation of fluorine-bearing Al–F products (e.g. AlFx), where as peripheral deposits become carbon-rich and fluorine-deficient due to volatile species escape. This work proposes a unified deposition model that correlates the thermo-chemical evolution of a reactive ablation plasma source with its surface modification patterns. The findings provide fundamental insights into plasma-material interactions and offer a physics-based framework for predicting contamination and improving the design of ablation-based plasma sources.
Keywords:
plasma plume
ablation
deposition
aluminum–polytetrafluoroethylene
surface modification
Journal
J
IF:
3.2
Papers:
726
Citations:
0
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Cited Papers