Properties of MgAl2O4 doped alumina barrier layers for dielectric barrier discharge

In the current work, we studied the effect of multiphasic dielectric material on coplanar dielectric barrier discharge. To enhance the application potential of standard alumina (Al2O3) ceramic barriers, composite materials composed of immiscible Al2O3 and Mg-spinel (MgAl2O4) phases were prepared and investigated. The effect on coplanar dielectric barrier discharge was studied in a broad concentration profile of the composite materials ranging from 0 to 100 vol.% MgAl2O4 MgAl2O4. We also noticed differences in plasma filament localization on the ceramic surfaces of different composites. This work also brings comprehensive investigation of the electrical and microstructural properties of this biphasic barrier material. Detailed investigation revealed that the ignition voltage was a nontrivial combination of both bulk (phase and chemical compositions) as well as surface (phase distribution, grain size, surface roughness) properties of the barrier materials.