Materion Corporation logo Materion Corporation 50th celebration

 #7 A Comparison of Electroplated Gold Flash Palladium-Nickel and Clad Gold Alloy Capped Palladium Silver

Abstract: This Materion Technical Materials study examines the properties of both electroplated gold flash palladium-nickel (GFPdNI) and WE#1 capped palladium-silver (WE#1/PdAg). The electrical resistivities were measured in order to understand contact resistance differences. Electrical stability during and after environmental and mechanical tests was evaluated. Environmental tests included:

  • Thermal aging at elevated temperature
  • Battelle flowing mixed gas exposure

Mechanical tests included:

  • Formability
  • Sliding wear
  • Fretting

Key attributes which were measured and reported included:

  • Electrical resistivity Hardness
  • Contact resistance Porosity level
  • Coefficient of friction during sliding wear
  • Fretting cycles to failure

It was found that GFPdNi demonstrated lower electrical resistivity, higher hardness, lower initial contact resistance, lower coefficient of friction and greater durability during sliding wear.

WE#1PdAg demonstrated acceptably low initial coefficient of friction, greater electrical stability during thermal aging and Battelle FMG exposure, better formability, and greater resistance to fretting wear.

Download the Cladding White Paper