A Comparison of Silver Tin Indium Oxides Made by Internal Oxidation Versus Powder Metallurgy for Switching DC and AC Lamp Loads

摘要

This study compares two silver tin indium oxide materials similar in chemical composition and particle size distribution but made by different processes, PM, powder metallurgy and IO, internal oxidation. Comparisons of erosion and welding resistance of the materials are made for testing under both DC and AC. The AC was simulated by switching the polarity of contacts after each operation utilizing automotive lamp load testing conditions. Both materials were at full density having undergone extrusion into wire and then solid rivet contact samples were made. The materials were tested in a model switch that uses an actual relay structure for the coil and movable contact. The closing mechanical bounce condition was set to be similar at the beginning of each test. Contact welding or sticking is monitored on each operation. The testing results indicate that both materials have similar performances in AC lamp but significantly different for DC lamp testing.