Arc erosion and degradation analysis of carbon nanotube-reinforced silver and copper composites for DC switches

Abstract

Hot switching creates an electrical arc that erodes electrodes through ion and electron bombardment. This study characterizes arc erosion craters from a single-break operation of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced composite and reference materials. Crater morphology was analyzed via confocal laser and electron microscopy, in addition to energy dispersive X-ray and Raman spectroscopy. Composites of up to 2 wt% resulted in crater roughness, displaced volume, and crater dimensions similar to reference materials. Higher CNT concentrations led to increased roughness and material displacement. Although CNT did not affect the molten front’s dimensions, it reduced molten pool duration. Raman spectroscopy confirmed CNT structural integrity post-manufacturing, despite minor degradation. CNT-reinforced silver and copper composites (up to 2 wt%) demonstrate potential for cost-effective, durable switching electrodes.