Thermal plasma technology: The prospective future in material processing

An attempt is made to access the past, present and future research and development in thermal plasma processing of materials. A brief explanation from the basic of thermal plasma understanding towards application of technology in various areas is covered in this article. Such as application of thermal plasma in coating technologies, synthesis of fine powders, waste destruction, spherodization with densification of powders and in slag metallurgy are described from the lab scale basis towards the industrial utilization. Since plasma process is governed by a large number of parameters from input power to furnace configuration. Generation of thermal plasma and various types of plasma reactor is discussed for contribute the significance of output attributes. Finally drawbacks for the growth of thermal plasma technology in commercial aspects are covered up. Keeping in view, the future vision in the area of plasma technology is addressed in this article. Thermal plasma technology and its level of achievements in laboratory and industrial benchmark are covered up in this article. A proposal of future vision in thermal plasma technology draws the attention for commercial benefits and reaches in milestone in industrial area. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.