The objective of this limited-scope 12-month SERDP project was to explore the feasibility of the technology in dry removal of contaminants. This project aimed to discover how effective the Atmospheric Pressure Nonthermal Plasma (AP NTP) is in the removal of selected contaminants without harming the support substrate and what byproducts may the AP NTP technique produce.

Nonthermal plasma was tested as a decontamination alternative for a number of pollutants in this project. A radiofrequency-powered nonthermal plasma technique was applied to biological aerosols, oil and grease, and paint-stained airframe structural material. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and aerosol monitoring techniques were used to assess the effectiveness of the plasma decontamination technique.

The conclusions from this limited-scope project study are:

1. Atmospheric nonthermal plasma can be an effective source for the removal of surface contamination on weapons systems and platforms.
2. The removal approach does not use any liquid therefore producing no secondary wastewater to be treated.  

The nanoparticles produced are detectable but can be safely controlled and removed by a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Use of chemical cleaners can be expensive and cumbersome due to storage and transport. The nonthermal plasma cleaning technique has several advantages compared to chemical cleaners. The nonthermal plasma technology does not produce residue, and no waste is generated.

(Project Completion-2011)