What is Plasma?

To understand how plasma nitriding works, it's important to grasp what plasma really is at the physical level. Unlike solids, liquids or gases, plasma is an energized state of matter where gas particles become ionized and highly reactive. This gives plasma its unique ability to interact directly with metal surfaces in a vacuum-controlled environment.

• Plasma forms when gas particles gain or lose electrons, becoming charged

• Ionization occurs after the gas reaches high kinetic energy levels

• In low-pressure environments, ions move freely and efficiently

• The plasma used in nitriding contains ions, electrons and neutral species

• These particles transfer energy and activate the surface for nitrogen diffusion

In this infographic: how plasma is formed, what makes it efficient and why it matters in surface engineering.