Novel processing of Ag-WC electrical contact materials using spark plasma sintering

作者：Ray Nachiketa^*; Kempf Bernd; Wiehi Gunther; Muetzel Timo; Heringhaus Frank; Froyen Ludo; Vanmeensel Kim; Vleugels Jef

来源：Materials and Design, 2017, 121: 262-271.

DOI：10.1016/j.matdes.2017.02.070

• Metal matrix composites
• Powder metallurgy
• Spark plasma sintering
• In-situ joining
• Flexural strength
• Electron backscattered diffraction

Ag-WC (60-40 wt%) contact materials based on three WC particle size powders were doped with 0.1 wt% Ni and processed by an appropriate powder pre-treatment followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The contacts produced were already bonded to a copper profile during SPS in order to eliminate additional processing steps. The SPS composites had a more homogeneous microstructure and were tougher and softer than the materials produced by conventional press-sinter-infiltration. The infiltrated contacts had a lower arc-erosion whereas the contacts produced by both processes had a similar contact resistance. The microstructure after switching confirmed that the SPS materials had a porous contact surface layer and were crack-free in contrast to their press-sinter-infiltrated equivalents.

• 出版日期2017-5-5