Investigation of electrical properties and morphology of several contact materials after cyclic damp-heat and sliding

Usually there is sliding between the contact surfaces of a connector during mating. In addition, changes in temperature and humidity of the environment will affect the resistance of the connector contact materials. This paper studies the complicated effects of environment and sliding on the dynamic resistance of several contacts materials. A series of inspections and analytical research methods are introduced in this article. The surface morphology of specimens after cyclic damp heat testing was observed by stereoscopic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical composition was examined by Xray energy spectrum. The contact resistances were measured under the conditions of cyclic damp heat by a four-point method. The results show that the temperature and humidity environment and sliding motion have a more complex and significant impact on the performance of the contact materials than single-factors.