Comparison of electrical ablation properties between pantograph materials：Ti3AlC2 and Cu-Ti3AlC2

Abstract:

The electrical ablation properties of typical pantograph materials Ti3AlC2 as well as Cu-Ti3AlC2 were analyzed under 2, 5, 7, 9 kV. The arc life of Cu-Ti3AlC2 was shorter than that of Ti3AlC2. The breakdown current showed the same condition. High speed camera was employed to record the arc morphologies of the two materials. The arc on Ti3AlC2 was more concentrated than that of Cu-Ti3AlC2, accompanying with much more droplet splashes. The eroded surfaces of the two materials were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Comparing to the eroded Cu-Ti3AlC2, Ti3AlC2 surface was more uneven, covered with "holes", "microcracks", "splashes". The arc energy at different voltages were calculated. It was shown that the arc energy of Cu-Ti3AlC2 material was less than that of Ti3AlC2 material under the same voltage. Raman spectrometer was carried out to determine the compositions of the eroded surfaces. Summarizing the experimental results, it could be found out that Cu-Ti3AlC2 is more suitable for pantograph material.

Key words:MAX; Cu-Ti3AlC2; arc erosion; high speed camera