Arc erosion characteristics evolution of Ag/Ti3SiC2 composites during repetitive arc breakdowns in SF6 gaseous medium. Issue 5 (18th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Zijue; Zhao, Ting; Feng, Yi; Zhao, Hao; Qian, Gang
• Is Part Of: International journal of applied ceramic technology. Volume 18:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 1716
• Page End: 1724
• Publication Date: 2021-02-18
• Subjects: Ag/Ti3SiC2 -- arc erosion -- repetitive arc discharges -- SF6 gaseous medium; Ceramics -- Periodicals; Ceramics -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; 620.1405
• DOI: 10.1111/ijac.13727
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1546-542X

Abstract

Abstract: To disclose the impact of SF6 gaseous medium on Ag/Ti3 SiC2 contact materials, arc discharges on the Ag/Ti3 SiC2 cathodes were performed 100 times in SF6 gas at 10 kV. After 1, 50, and 100 times of arc discharges, the morphologies of arc‐eroded surfaces were characterized. The changes in breakdown strength with the number of tests were recorded. After 100 times of arc erosion, the composition of the surface was characterized, and the morphologies and compositions of the cross section were measured. In the process of multiple arc breakdowns, the arc erosion position randomly changes. In the later stage of tests, the breakdown strength of Ag/Ti3 SiC2 increased. The protrusion on the arc‐eroded surface is the ignition point for the arc, the down of protrusion height and the smooth of protrusion tip were observed after multiple arc discharges, which may result in the increase in breakdown strength. After multiple arc erosion tests, Ag2 S was detected on the surface by XPS, and part of silicon elements were dissociated outward from Ti3 SiC2 . The composition change is inferred to be one of the reasons for the rise of breakdown strength.