Process development of low-cost AgNi and AgFe contact materials with no range of solid solubility

AgNi and AgFe are known as contact materials with high workability and low contact resistance for medium to weak current contacts. However, AgNi and AgFe contact materials are difficult to manufacture using conventional melting and casting procedure because they exhibit no range of solid solubility of Ni and Fe in Ag for all temperature range. The purpose of this research is to develop a process for low-cost AgNi and AgFe contact materials based on solidification process control. AgNi and AgFe contact materials were produced by rotation cylinder method (RCM). The hardness value of AgNi and AgFe contact materials by RCM were higher than that of AgNi and AgFe contact materials produced by conventional powder metallurgy and co-precipitation processes. The higher hardness values of contact materials produced by RCM may be attributed to the uniform distribution and small size of Ni and Fe particles in Ag matrix.