This book is the result of the fourth International Thermal Plasma Processes Conference, held in Athens, Greece, July 15-18, 1996. The purposes of the conference were:
• to provide an opportunity for scientists and engineers to present the state of the art;
• to promote exchanges of knowledge between experts in the various fields;
• to discuss current problems and research needs.
The program covered novel approaches and recent developments in plasma fundamentals and applications. One hundred participants, representing many countries, were present.