Effect of 100-nm Al2O3 Particle Inclusions on 100-kA Pulsed Arc Erosion of W–Cu Electrodes

Erosion resistance of electrode materials is one of the key factors affecting the performance and working life of gap switches. In order to explore whether the electrode material with added nanoscale metalloid particles has better erosion resistance under the strong pulse current, a strong current discharge platform was built, and W80/Cu and W80/Cu-Al
₂
O
₃
were selected as the research objects. The experimental study was carried out under a strong pulse current with a peak value of over 100 kA. By comparing the mass change, the microtopography, and surface roughness of the erosion area, it was found that the addition of nano-Al
₂
O
₃
particles improved the erosion resistance of the W-Cu alloy. The anode loss was down about 14.7% slightly after adding Al
₂
O
₃
, and the cathode loss of W80/Cu-Al
₂
O
₃
was down about half. The addition of Al
₂
O
₃
will increase the working life by 25.3%. Besides, the microstructure of the erosion area became flatter and the roughness was reduced.