Nanocrystalline Ag-Re composite as a potential material for electric contacts fabrication

A new silver-based composite material with an addition of 1,0; 5,0; 8,0 and 10 wt % of rhenium, intended for potential application in the production of electric contacts, has been presented. The paper shows results of the research and experimental works aimed at developing technology for fabrication of semiproducts (wires, and bimetallic contacts) by the classical powder metallurgy methods and by a method enabling production of nanocrystalline composite. At each stage of the processes involved, physical, mechanical and technological properties of the materials were investigated. Particular attention was given to final products and semiproducts prepared in a form of bimetallic contacts. It was found that the composite with nanocrystalline structure may be a good material for ecological electric contacts.