Which is better as an electrical contact material: AgSnO₂ or AgCdO?
AgSnO₂ (silver tin oxide) and AgCdO (silver cadmium oxide) both have advantages and disadvantages as electrical contact materials.
The choice depends on the specific application and requirements.
Key Characteristics of AgSnO₂
Environmentally Friendly and Non-Toxic: AgSnO₂ does not contain toxic substances like cadmium, posing no harm to humans or the environment. It is an environmentally friendly material that can replace AgCdO.
Arc Erosion Resistance: Under high-current conditions, AgSnO₂ has better resistance to arc erosion compared to AgCdO.
Resistance to current surges: AgSnO₂ demonstrates superior resistance to current surges under lamp or capacitive loads.
Wide application range: Commonly used in medium-to-high capacity contactors, power relays, automotive electrical components, etc.
Key Characteristics of AgCdO
Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity: AgCdO has low and stable contact resistance, with outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity.
Excellent wear resistance: AgCdO has good heat dissipation and wear resistance properties.
Toxicity: Cadmium in AgCdO is toxic, posing risks to human health and the environment during manufacturing and use.
Comprehensive Comparison
Environmental friendliness: AgSnO ₂ is significantly better than AgCdO, especially in areas with strict environmental requirements.
Performance: AgSnO ₂ is superior in terms of arc erosion resistance and current shock resistance, but AgCdO performs better in terms of conductivity and heat dissipation.
Cost: AgSnO₂ carries a slightly higher cost than AgCdO .
Overall, AgSnO₂ is the preferred choice when prioritizing environmental friendliness and arc resistance.
For applications emphasizing conductivity and cost efficiency, AgCdO remains a viable option where environmental constraints permit.
