Microstructure and electrical contact behavior of Al2O3–Cu/30W3SiC(0.5Y2O3) composites

The aim of this study is to observe the organization and properties of Al2O3–Cu/WSiC–Y2O3 composites and to investigate the effect of Y2O3 incorporation on the electrical contact properties of the composites. Preparation of Al2O3–Cu/30W3SiC(0.5Y2O3) composites by rapid hot-pressing sintering technique. The conductivity of the composites is 59.3 %IACS and 58.3 %IACS, respectively. Hardness is 179 HV and 183 HV, respectively. Thermal conductivity is 108 W/(m·k) and 275 W/(m·k), respectively. The dense structure of the composites and the homogeneous distribution of reinforcing phases give the composites excellent overall performance. The addition of Y2O3 increases the resistance of the materials to arc erosion. The amount of material transfer and loss is significantly reduced, and the arc ablation phenomenon is reduced. The arc duration was significantly reduced from 4.48 ms to 0.44 ms, 5.72 ms–4.68 ms, 6.23 ms–5.52 ms, and 12.5 ms–8.59 ms, respectively; and the melt force was significantly reduced to 58.9%, 81.4%, 87.5%, and 89.4% of the original.