In a component or retaining element which is usable for the plasma processing or the thermal processing of workpieces using an electric arc, on a component that is mechanically connectable by way of a retaining element in a region formed in a complementary manner, the surface of a component or of a retaining element is provided, in the region formed in a complementary manner, only with a coating formed with particles. The particles are electrically and thermally conductive. The coating can be formed with a purely organic chemical compound which is formed with fluorine, or the coating can be formed with a polyamide.