NOVELTY - The DC plasma torch (10) has an electrically conductive cathode (12) and an electrically conductive anode (14) spaced apart from one another to form a gap in between them. A metal swirl bush (40) is partially located within the gap. The swirl bush has a channel adapted to permit a gas flow through the gap when in the swirl bush is in use. A ceramic coating (72) is interposed between any of the cathode and the swirl brush or the anode and the swirl bush. The ceramic coating is formed on the swirl bush, and comprises of an electrically insulating oxide.    USE - DC plasma torch used in abatement of exhaust gases from processes used in e.g. semiconductor industry.    ADVANTAGE - Provides an alternative and improved DC plasma torch that uses a ceramic coating for reduced number of parts, i.e. a separate insulator is not necessarily required, and ease of manufacture because the ceramic coating is easy to apply. Ensures that the ceramic coating is formed via the Keronite process, which produces high-quality, hard, dense, durable, geometrically stable, wear-resistant and electrically-insulative oxide coatings. Allows the cathode arrangement to be accurately and consistently located within the anode arrangement, because a metal swirl bush and ceramic electrical break are made of rigid materials, thus the two cooperating anode and cathode components can rest tightly against each other. Prevents movement and removes the requirement to accurately and manually set air gap between the anode and cathode arrangements. Forms the swirl bush from metal, making it more resistant to heat formed in the plasma and ensuring that less cooling, if any, is needed to protect the swirl bush.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The ceramic coating may be formed via plasma electrolytic oxidation of the metal of the swirl bush, or via Keronite (RTM: a unique electro-ceramic process) process. The ceramic coating contains fluorphlogopite mica in borosilicate glass matrix. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for the swirl bush.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawings show the schematic longitudinal sectional views through the DC plasma torch.    DC plasma torch (10)    Cathode (12)    Anode (14)    Swirl bush (40)    Ceramic coating (72)