Research on the preparation method, microstructure and performance of hard silver plated/Cu-Cr0.6-Zr0.02 alloy contact

Abstract

This paper developed a new type of disconnect switch contact with high-conductivity, oxidation resistance and wear resistance. Contact material and preparation were researched. The Cu–Cr–Zr alloy was prepared by vacuum induction melting, then the plate was obtained after rolling and aging strengthening. Contact sample was formed by die stamping, at last, a wear-resistant coating/Cu–Cr–Zr alloy switch contact was manufactured, after the silver antimony alloy hard coating was electroplated on the surface. In order to further study the Cu–Cr–Zr alloy and hard silver coating of the contact, microstructure analysis and performance testing are carried out. A large number of nano-sized pure Cr phases were found to exist in the Cu–Cr–Zr alloy matrix, and the material conductivity was 76.3% IACS. Compared with T2 copper, its mechanical properties and oxidation resistance were significantly improved, which helped to delay the corrosion progress of the substrate after the coating disappeared. The hard silver coating contains 1% of the alloy element Sb. Compared with the silver coating, its wear resistance was increased by 135.30%. Cu–Cr–Zr alloy and hard silver plating technology are effective for improving strength, corrosion resistance and wear resistance of contact.