Effects of active elements on oxide removal by a vacuum arc

The effects of alkali metal elements on the action of a vacuum arc were studied in the context of metal surface cleaning or removal of oxide on the surface. Compounds containing these elements were applied in an aqueous solution to the work-piece surface. This application significantly reduced surface roughness and increased the cleaning rate (oxide removal rate). Surface roughness was reduced by as much as 2.5 times not using these compounds, and the cleaning rate increased by 1.8 times.