Title

P/M Ag-base contact materials for power engineering applications – process technology and materials properties

Authorship

BEUERS, J.; BRAUMANN, P.; WEISE, W.

BEUERS, J.

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BRAUMANN, P.

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WEISE, W.

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DOI

10.5151/2594-5327-49v5-113-126

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Abstract

Ag-base materials are commonly used for power engineering applications. Outstanding properties of silver and its alloys—such as electrical and thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and oxidation/corrosion resistance—result in the dominant role of Ag-based contact materials. Depending on current/voltage requirements, Ag solid solution materials like AgCu alloys and Ag-based composites are used. Composites such as AgNi, AgCdO, AgSnO₂, and AgC are preferably processed by powder metallurgy. The paper discusses the PIM (Powder Injection Molding) process technology for fabricating these composites, considering powder characteristics and the effect of processing steps on the final product. Sintering and extrusion steps are highlighted as critical for quality. A classification of Ag-based contact materials and their microstructural evolution over a contact's lifetime is also presented.

Keywords

Ag-base materials, powder metallurgy, contact materials, silver alloys, PIM technology