Investigation on the electrical properties of AgNi contact materials with various Ni content

AgNi electrical contact materials with different Ni content were manufactured by processes of powder metallurgy extruding and drawing. This paper analyzes the microstructure and changes of electrical performance of AgNi electrical contact materials with different Ni content by Metallurgical Microscope, SEM and Electric Performance Testing Machine. Influence of Ni content on relative density, hardness, resistivity, welding force, contact resistance and arc erosion of AgNi were investigated. The results show that density, hardness, resistivity and contact resistance of AgNi increased with the increase of Ni content. We also found welding force and arc erosion area of AgNi15 is minimal.