Method of no-bath plasma electrolytic oxidation and device for implementing the same

Abstract

An applicator for no-bath plasma gel electrolytic oxidation of a workpiece made of a valve metal or an alloy thereof; the applicator movable over a surface of a workpiece to be treated. The applicator including an electrode connectable to a power supply and configured for applying electric voltage to a gap between the electrode and a workpiece. A gel electrolytic medium body is mounted in a holder being in an electric contact with the electrode.

1 . A method of no-bath plasma electrolytic oxidation of a workpiece made of a valve metal or an alloy thereof; the method comprising:
 deploying a workpiece to form a first electrode;   providing an applicator of a gel electrolyte medium body to form a second electrode; said applicator comprising a receptacle of a member, made of said gel electrolyte medium body, facing said workpiece;   mounting said gel electrolyte medium body within a holder;   applying a voltage between said first electrode and said second electrode;   contacting said gel electrolyte medium body to said workpiece.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said gel electrolyte medium body comprises a component selected from the group consisting of an acidic component, an alkaline component, a current amplifier component, a component improving thermal and electric conductivity, water and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said alkaline component is potassium hydroxide, a gel forming component. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said current amplifier component is sodium silicate. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said gel electrolyte medium body comprises a gel forming component that is agar-agar. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein gel electrolyte medium body comprises a gel forming component that is kappa carrageenan. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said component improving thermal and electric conductivity is selected from the group consisting of carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, metal particles and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said second electrode comprises a passage conducting a coolant circulating therewithin. 
     
     
         9 . An applicator for no-bath plasma gel electrolytic oxidation of a workpiece made of a valve metal or an alloy thereof; the applicator movable over a surface of a workpiece to be treated; the applicator comprising:
 an electrode connectable to a power supply and configured for applying electric voltage to a gap between said electrode and a workpiece;   a gel electrolytic medium body mounted in a holder being in an electric contact with said electrode.   
     
     
         10 . The applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein said gel electrolyte medium body comprises a component selected from the group consisting of an acidic component, an alkaline component, a current amplifier component, a component improving thermal and electric conductivity, water and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The applicator according to  claim 10  wherein said alkaline component is potassium hydroxide, a gel forming component. 
     
     
         12 . The applicator according to  claim 10 , wherein said current amplifier component is sodium silicate. 
     
     
         13 . The applicator according to  claim 10 , wherein said gel electrolyte medium body comprises a gel forming component that is agar-agar. 
     
     
         14 . The applicator according to  claim 10 , wherein said gel electrolyte medium body comprises a gel forming component that is kappa carrageenan. 
     
     
         15 . The applicator according to  claim 10 , wherein said component improving thermal and electric conductivity is selected from the group consisting of carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, metal particles and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein said electrode comprises a passage conducting a coolant circulating therewithin.