Physical and mechanical impact of Y₂O₃ on (Cu-7Ag) electrical contact alloy

Abstract

In this study, (Cu-7Ag) alloy was synthesized through powder metallurgy rout and explored the effect of adding yttrium oxide (Y2O3) with three different volume fractions 2, 4, and 6 vol.%. The effects were recorded on the electrical conductivity, the hardness, and the wear rate of the prepared samples. The base samples were sintered at 850 °C for 4 hours, while the composite samples were sintered with two holding times: at 550 °C for 2 hours and at 850°C for 4 hours. All of the sintered samples were homogenized at 777 °C for an hour followed by aging at 400 °C for 8 hours. The base alloy (Cu-7Ag alloy) showed higher conductivity but poor hardness and poor wear resistance. Best balance between the improvement of mechanical properties and suitable electrical conductivity had been obtained with Cu-7Ag+4vol.% Y2O3 composite sample.