Nyheim Plasma Institute at Drexel University Receives SERDP Grant to Advance Plasma-Activated Water Technology for Metal Cleaning Drexel University's C. & J. Nyheim Plasma Institute has received a SERDP grant to develop plasma-activated water (PAW) technology for environmentally friendly grease removal from metal surfaces, aiming to replace toxic solvents while preserving metal integrity. January 27, 2025 The C. & J. Nyheim Plasma Institute (NPI) at Drexel University has been awarded a 12-month seed grant to explore the use of plasma-activated water (PAW) for environmentally friendly and effective grease removal from metal surfaces. The project, led by Assistant Research Professor Dr. Jinjie He, focuses on developing innovative, non-toxic cleaning solutions for aluminum, magnesium, and steel substrates commonly used in aerospace and defense applications. This cutting-edge research aims to replace traditional cleaning methods, such as the use of toxic solvents, with plasma-based technologies that not only ensure superior performance but also safeguard the integrity of sensitive metals. The team will evaluate the effectiveness of PAW and plasma-activated mist (PAM) using industry standards like ADS-61A-PRF and explore their scalability for industrial adoption.