Study on Mechanical Properties and Physical Properties of Copper Based Electrical Contact Materials Reinforced by CNT

摘要

A new method of carbon nanotube with electroless plating of nickel is proposed. It is shown that in a certain condition, the compacted and well-distributed coating of nickel is obtained without the process of sensitization and activation. Upon the surface treatment of the carbon nanotube, the CNT-consolidated composites for copper-based electrical contact have been made in the way of powder metallurgy. Some important mechanical properties and physical properties, including sliding wear property, electrical conductivity and fusion resistance, were investigated. The experiment results showed that Carbon nanotube inside the composite was uniformly distributed and a proper addition of CNT effectively improves the comprehensive property of the composites. When the carbon nanotube takes up 4vol.% in the material, it is highly effective in improving its sliding wear property and fusion resistance; though its electrical conductivity drops. Its overall properties meet the requirements of electrical contact materials.