Effect of Current Polarity on Tribological Behavior of Copper-Aluminum Electrical Interface

Wear and friction in sliding electrical contacts is affected by a multitude of factors such as contact load, current density, sliding speed, sliding distance and materials in contact [1], [2]. Very limited studies have been done to investigate the effect of current polarity on wear and coefficient of friction. In the present study, the authors investigate the effect of current polarity on the frictional response and wear of copper-aluminum interface. Copper wire mounted on a fixture is slid on aluminum flat under different current levels. Large scale melting at the interface was observed when slider (copper) was maintained as anode. Observations of the slider and flat surface made under microscope reveal material transfer of aluminum on copper even at low current levels of 60 Amperes. The results of the study can be used in the light of applying different coatings or surface design for anode and cathode in order to minimize their wear or degradation.Copyright © 2007 by ASME