Cathode Spot Behavior Variation in Oxide Layer Removal Caused by Potassium Hydroxide Pre-treatment

Abstract

A several-micrometer-thick oxide layer on steel plate samples was removed by high energy density cathode spots appearing on the cathode surface in vacuum arc discharge. The samples' surface conditions before the oxide layer removal are altered by application of various concentrations of KOH aqueous solution. Such surface condition changes affect cathode spot behavior and improve the energy efficiency of the oxide layer removal.