Effects of Rare Earths on Electrical Conductivity, Melting-Welding and Corrosion Resistance by Electric Arc of Copper-Based Alloys

The effects of rare earths on electric conductivity fusion welding-resistance and erosion-resistance by electric arc of copper-based compound material by adding different amount of rare earths to copper base to get copper based compound materials were studied. Rare earths improve active ability among interfaces and optimize organizational structures. The conductivity of samples with rare earths is obviously better than that of materials without them. Moreover, wear ability and oxidization resistance of materials with rare earths can be improved greatly. For copper contact head with rare earths, electric arc corrosion resistance and welding-melting resistance are improved. Such alloys also decrease resistance change with increasing temperature. But the adding quantity of rare earths should be appropriate and formed handicraft should be properly regulated.