Reduction of oxides

Atmospheric plasma processes can be carried out with reactive gases, the goal being to substantially accelerate surface reaction kinetics. By adding a reducing gas mixture such as for example hydrogen, oxide layers on the surface of most metals can be removed. Often, these oxide layers are enriched with dirt residue, causing the surface to lose its sheen. Yet another disadvantage of oxide layers lies in the reduced adhesion of glues and varnishes. In practical applications, forming gas is administered instead of pure hydrogen.

Forming gas is a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen. Typically, the proportion of hydrogen used is <4% in order to guarantee fire safety.