Research on the development of a new AgNi-based contact material for control apparatus with small capacity

The main problem of AgNi contact material for control apparatus with small capacity was investigated. Based on the studies of welding mechanism of electrical contacts and the measures of decreasing tendency to weld of contacts, a new AgNi-based contact material for control apparatus with small capacity was developed by diffusing arc root, enhancing wettability between molten silver and contact surface in order to restrain the generation and propagation of micro-cracks and holes and controlling content of Ni component and Ni fibre orientation via dopants or manufacturing technology. Experimental results on electrical service life under AC-4 category conducted in low-voltage contacts show that the electrical endurance of a new AgNi-based material is more than 5 times as that of a conventional one. The remainder characteristics are still excellent, and the manufacturing cost declines slightly.