Effect of CFs content on arc erosion behavior of Ag–CFs contact materials

In this study, silver (Ag)–carbon fibers (CFs) contact materials with different contents of CFs were prepared using chemical plating and powder metallurgy methods. The effects of CFs (Ag-plated) content on the basic properties, arc erosion behavior, and arc dynamic evolution of Ag–CFs contact materials were investigated. The results indicate that as the CFs content increases, the relative density and electrical conductivity of the composite material gradually decrease, while the hardness initially increases and then decreases. The material transfer direction during arc erosion consistently moves from the anode to the cathode. Notably, the Ag-3.7 vol% CFs (Ag-plated) contact material maintains relatively stable and low average arc energy and arc time. The arc dynamic evolution indicates that the Ag-3.7 vol% (Ag-plated) CFs contact materials exhibit the lowest chopping current and the longest arc dispersion duration.