Modification of metallic materials under the action of high temperature pulsed plasma flux

A review is presented on the studies into modifications of metallic materials under irradiation with high temperature pulsed plasma fluxes within the range of flux density (3-100)x109 Wxm-2 and pulse duration of 2 to 100 μs. Basic experimental results on changes in microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance under ion bombardment are analyzed. The analysis shows that irradiation with plasma jets may be used for intentional modification of structure and properties of materials. The degree of modification is determined by irradiation conditions (flux density, the type of plasma etc), material composition and material pretreatment