Simulation and experiments on the performance of Co and Mo doped AgNi contact materials

Abstract In response to the inadequacy of experimental methods to explore the effect of doping modification on the performance of AgNi contact materials, the Ag/Ni interface simulation model was established based on the first-principles density functional theory to study the interfacial stability and electronic structure of Ag/Ni with Co-doped and Mo-doped. The stability at the interface can directly affect the anti-melt welding performance of AgNi contact materials. The doping can enhance the interfacial bonding stability of Ag/Ni, the hybridization of Ag and Ni orbitals and the bonding strength of Ag-Ni metal bonds, among which the Mo-doped Ag/Ni has the best stability. The contact materials were prepared by powder metallurgy method. Wettability test and electrical contact performance test were conducted on AgNi contacts before and after doping. It was found that Co and Mo doping improved the anti-melt welding performance and anti-arc erosion performance of the intrinsic contact materials, which verified the simulation conclusions. The doping of Mo in AgNi contacts resulted in a substantial reduction of melt welding force and a significant reduction of material loss, which had the most obvious improvement effect on the contact materials.