Microstructure and Properties of Ag-SnO2 Coating Fabrica- ted by Plasma Spraying

Abstract Ag-SnO 2 coating on copper substrate has been prepared by an atmospheric plasma spraying method using high energy ball milled Ag-12wt%SnO 2 composite powder as raw material. The microstructures of the Ag-SnO 2 coating were characterized by XRD and SEM. The mechanical properties and arc erosion performance of the as sprayed coating have been determined by tensile test, microhardness and arc erosion tests, respectively. The results show that the Ag-SnO 2 coating presents a compact microstructure, and the nanosized SnO 2 particles are uniformly dispersed in the Ag matrix of the coating. The mechanical properties and the arc erosion performance of the Ag-SnO 2 coating are close to those of Ag-SnO 2 bulk. After arcing test, the surface of the coating presents the dispersion of cathode spots and a little erosion, indicating that the Ag-SnO 2 coating has excellent arc-erosion resistance. Plasma spray technique is an effective approach to manufacture Ag-SnO 2 contact coating with good mechanical properties and arc erosion resistance.