New silver tin oxide contact materials for a low voltageapplication were developed. They exhibit excellent over-temperaturebehavior and a very long life compared to commercial AgSnO2contact materials. These new contact materials are produced by diecompaction or extrusion using a newly developed precipitated powder.Defined particle size distibution and high shrinkage during sinteringcharacterize these powders. The new contact materials have comparableelectrical properties whether produced by die compaction or extrusion.This paper reports on the production and electrical properties of thesenew materials. Tests were conducted using a 250 A contactor originallyoptimized for AgCdO and a 250 A contactor optimized forAgSnO2. The test results show these new contact materialshave the potential to replace AgCdO without changing the design of AgCdOoptimized contactors. This is due primarily to their superiorover-temperature behavior. The contacts and contactors made with thesenew materials have considerable technical, economical and environmentalbenefits
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