GAS PLASMA REACTIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ANTIQUITIES

Abstract

Low frequency (50 Hz) alternating voltage has been used to produce a glow discharge in gas mixtures at low pressure. The chemical properties of the luminous portion of such discharges has been investigated. When the gases present are argon and oxygen, organic compounds may be removed from many substrates. Argon-hydrogen mixtures may be used in our apparatus to reduce several corrosion products back to their respective metals.