Fretting Behaviors of an Ag/CuGa₂ Combination and Application to Electrical Contacts

Abstract

A copper and gallium alloy is easily produced through contact of liquid gallium and copper metal. A combination of CuGa₂ and silver was investigated as a new electrical contact. The resistivity of the alloy is 1.1×10^-5 Ωcm at room temperature. Oxide film on the alloy was suppressed during heat treatment in air. Due to mutual immiscibility without oxygen, adhesive wear of the silver during abrasion against the alloy was reduced less than that against silver itself. With exclusion of oxygen using a lubricant, the combination is a prospect for electrical contacts.