Improvement of anticorrosion properties of some copper alloys as potential materials for electrical contact connections

Abstract

The paper presents a review of literature data on methods for researching and improving the technical and technological properties of copper and copper materials used for the manufacture of electrical products. A disadvantage associated with a decrease in resistance to atmospheric corrosion, especially in humid environments, has been identi- fied. A method of high-energy impact on the surface is proposed in order to form protective coatings. The results of corrosion-electrochemical tests of samples subjected to short-pulse laser action are presented. In the course of the re- search, the parameters of laser radiation were varied: power, surface scanning speed, frequency, protective atmosphere. Optimal values of the parameters are established, which provide an increase in the corrosion resistance of pure copper and copper alloys. The values of contact resistances of the processed samples are determined. Preliminary conclusions are made about the relationship between processing parameters and the improvement of anti-corrosion properties and a change in the value of contact resistance. It is necessary to study the composition and structure of the resulting surface layers.