Carbon-Nanotube (CNT) coated surfaces are investigated to determine theelectrical contact performance under low force conditions. The surfaces under investigationare vertically aligned multi-walled CNTs formed on a Silicon substrate and coated with anAu film. These planar surfaces are mated with a hemispherical Au plated probe mounted ina nano-indentation apparatus. The maximum contact force used is 1mN. The contactresistance of these surfaces is investigated as a function of the applied force and is alsostudied under repeated loading cycles. The surfaces are compared with a reference Au-Aucontact under the same experimental conditions and the results compared to establishedcontact theory. The results show that the vertically aligned multi-walled CNT surfaceprovides a stable contact resistance. This study shows the potential for the application ofCNT surfaces as an interface in low force electrical contact applications.
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