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

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.