Comparison of Electrical Ablation Properties Between Pantograph Materials: Ti3AlC2 and Cu-Ti3AlC2

The electrical ablation properties of typical pantograph materials Ti3AlC2 as well as Cu-Ti3AlC2 were analyzed at 2, 5, 7 and 9 kV. The results show that the arc life of Cu-Ti3AlC2 is shorter than that of Ti3AlC2. The breakdown current shows the same condition. High speed camera was employed to record the arc morphologies of the two materials. The arc on Ti3AlC2 is more concentrated than that of Cu-Ti3AlC2, accompanied with more droplet splashes. The eroded surfaces of the two materials were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared to the eroded Cu-Ti3AlC2, Ti3AlC2 surface is more uneven, covered by "holes", "microcracks" and "splashes". The arc energy at different voltages was calculated. It shows that the arc energy of Cu-Ti3AlC2 material is less than that of Ti3AlC2 material at the same voltage. Raman spectrometer was used to determine the composition of the eroded surfaces. Summarizing the experimental results, it can be found that Cu-Ti3AlC2 is more suitable for pantograph material.