Influence of Ti 2 SnC content on arc erosion resistance in Ag–Ti 2 SnC composites

In this work, an Ag–Ti 2 SnC composite was fabricated by the hot-pressing sintering method, and the erosion behavior of Ag–Ti 2 SnC with volume percentages of 10–40% was studied at a load voltage of 10 kV. The arc life and breakdown current were observed at about 31–36 ms and 39 A, respectively. The cathode spot traveled the fastest on the surface of the Ag–40 vol% Ti 2 SnC composite. Due to emission center model, the temperature of the minor protrusions on the cathode surface increased, resulting in Ag ions, Ti ions, and Sn ions being generated. Combining with the ionized oxygen, Ag 2 O, AgO, TiO 2 , and SnO 2 were formed on the eroded Ag–Ti 2 SnC surface after arc erosion. The research results will broaden the application range of Ag–Ti 2 SnC electrical contact material and enrich the arc erosion mechanism.