An Investigation of the Electrical Contact Resistance Change, Lubrication, and Wear Properties of a Nanolubricant

Abstract

Electrical systems depend upon the reliable operation of electrical contacts or connectors. Such connectors may be found in environments running the gamut from climate-controlled spaces (i.e. personal computers) to extreme environments such as near the engine of a car and can be subject to degradation and failure through wear, corrosion, and other mechanisms. Liquid lubricants are sometimes used to mitigate these effects but are often nonconductive or otherwise do not protect the contact from degradation, causing a risk of excessive electrical contact resistance changes. Silver nanoparticles within dodecane have been investigated in prior research as a possible method to reduce these contact resistance changes and improve friction/wear characteristics. Further studies have been conducted to characterize the friction, wear, and contact resistance properties for a dodecane-based nanolubricant at a lower force more suited for smaller contacts and for comparison to a proprietary high viscosity hydrocarbon lubricant designed for use within electrical contacts.