Effect of strengthening phase on material transfer behavior of Ag-based contact materials under different voltages

• Published in: Vacuum Vol. 135; pp. 55 - 65
• Main Authors: Li, Hangyu, Wang, Xianhui, Liu, Yanfeng, Guo, Xiuhua
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Ag-based contact materials; Arc duration; Arc energy; Arc erosion; Material transfer; Arc duration; Arc erosion; Arc energy; Ag-based contact materials; Material transfer
• ISSN: 0042-207X; 1879-2715
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2016.10.031

To clarify the correlation of strengthening phase and particle sizes with the material transfer behavior for Ag-based contact materials, the Ag-4wt%TiB2 and Ag-4wt%SnO2 contact materials reinforced with different TiB2 and SnO2 particles were prepared, and the electrical contact tests were up to 5000 operations at different voltages. The surface morphologies of arc-eroded specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscope, the mass changes before and after electrical contact test were determined, and the material transfer behavior of Ag-4wt%TiB2 and Ag-4wt%SnO2 contact materials at different voltages were discussed as well. The results indicate that the voltage has a significant effect on make arc and break arc, which leads to the change of the material transfer mode. Furthermore, the strengthening phase remarkably influence the electrical performances of Ag-based contact materials. The Ag-4wt%TiB2 contact material presents higher make-arc-energy and lower break-arc-energy than the Ag-4wt%SnO2 contact material. The fine strengthening particles are beneficial for the decrease of arc energy. Subsequently, the Ag-based contact material prepared with fine strengthening particles has less material transfer and mass loss. •The effect of characteristics of strengthening phase on material transfer of Ag base contact materials is disclosed.•The voltage has different effects on the make arc and break arc.•The material transfer behavior for the silver base contact material is significantly influenced by the voltage.•Fine strengthening particles are beneficial for less mass loss and relative transfer mass.