Corona currents non-uniformity of multi-point regular matrix electrode system

The point-to-plane motive can be used in several types of corona discharge electrode systems, e.g. single pin-to-plate, pair of pins-to-plate, 1D array of pins-to-plate or 2D matrix of pins-to-plate. Matrix systems are usable for such applications of corona discharge as modification of polymer surfaces or sterilization, because simultaneously affected area is given by the construction of these systems, not only by discharge parameters. For mentioned practical purposes it is desirable to construct system with regular structure of pin electrodes positions to obtain the most possible homogeneous distribution of the corona current on affected surfaces. However even for regular matrix we observed that partial currents of pins are different and do no correspond to numerically modelled electric field intensity distribution. It can be explained by non-uniformity of pin tips. Since the affecting of polymers surfaces or bacteria on surfaces needs some time, the effect of corona currents was experimentally studied in following system: Multi-point regular matrix corona discharge current affected an agar plate for 16 minutes. Corona current caused appearance of spherical dimples in the agar distributed according to corona points positions. Sizes and shapes of dimples mostly correspond to current densities, as so as pins potentials are the same and the electric field intensity near the gel changes slightly. It is always shown that the corona currents non-uniformity changes bactericidal action of the corona discharge. (author)