These activities are aimed at the experimental investigation of plasma-assisted processes such as the synthesis of innovative nanomaterials (metals, oxides, core-shell structures, composites, graphene, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes) in inductively coupled RF thermal plasma systems, and the cutting and welding (TIG, MIG, PAW) of metallic materials with arc plasma sources. The research in this sector is supported by the development and exploitation of advanced diagnostic techniques such as: optical emission spectroscopy for the determination of temperature, composition and electron density of the plasma; methods for the electrical characterization of the plasma discharge; imaging methods of the visualization of plasma discharge behavior and transient phenomena using high-speed cameras, iCCD cameras, multi-imaging methods and Schlieren photography. Also the material characterization for the evaluation of the effectiveness of plasma-assisted processes is supported.
