Arc erosion behavior of TiB2/Cu composites with single-scale and dual-scale TiB2 particles

Arc erosion behaviors of TiB2/Cu composites with single-scale and dual-scale TiB2 particles fabricated by powder metallurgy were studied. It was revealed that the dual-scale TiB2/Cu composites had fewer structure defects compared with the single-scale TiB2/Cu composites, and TiB2 particles with different size were uniformly distributed in the copper matrix. When the ratio of 2 mu m over 50 mu m TiB2 particles is 1:2, the density of TiB2/Cu composite is 98.5% and shows best mechanical and thermal properties. The arc duration and energy of TiB2/Cu composites increase with the increase of electric current in contact material testing. Compared with the single-scale TiB2/Cu composites, the arc erosion of dual-scale TiB2/Cu composite with 2 mu m+50 mu m (1:2) TiB2 was slighter. The anode bulge area and cathode erosion pit of dual-scale TiB2/Cu composite was smaller. The dual-scale TiB2 particles optimize the microstructure and thermal stability of the composite, which is conducive to alleviating arc erosion. The synergistic effect of different sized TiB2 particles in the matrix improved the arc erosion resistance of TiB2/Cu composite during arcing.