Optimization of the composition of the composite material of contact inserts for electric vehicles based on the criterion of wear resistance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31891/2079-1372-2026-121-3-97-108Keywords:
secondary graphite, contact insert, copper powder, carbon black, molybdenum disulfide, electrical conductivity, wear resistanceAbstract
The paper considers the problem of reusing spent graphite contact inserts of electric transport and improving their functional properties by modifying the composition of the composite material. Modern approaches to the formation of graphite and copper-graphite electrical contact composites, the influence of the granulometric composition, conductive and solid lubricating additives on the electrical and tribological characteristics are analyzed. The prospects for using secondary graphite as the main raw material are shown, provided that the structural integrity and electrically conductive contacts between particles are restored. The feasibility of using carbon black to form an additional conductive network, copper powder to reduce contact resistance, and molybdenum disulfide to stabilize friction and reduce wear is substantiated. It has been established that the properties of such composites are multifactorial and nonlinear in nature, therefore the choice of composition requires comprehensive optimization with simultaneous consideration of the electrical resistance, wear resistance of the insert, and the effect on the contact wire.
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