Cathode erosion of graphite and Cu/C materials in airarcs

Cathode erosion of graphite and Cu/C was studied in direct current arcs, which were ignited between two electrodes comprised of two kinds of carbon materials and a tungsten anode in air. The arced zones on the cathode surface were investigated by a scanning electron microscope. Also, the cathode erosion rates of the investigated materials were measured. The results show that two distinct zone can be seen on both cathodes. The eroded area was located at the zone just opposite to the anode and surrounded by a white zone. The arced surface on the Cu/C containing 9.3 % Cu is rougher than that of the pure graphite. Many particles with various sizes distributed on the Cu/C. The vaporization of Cu can lower the surface temperature and reduce the cathode erosion. Therefore, the cathode erosion rate of the Cu/C is lower than that of the pure graphite.