#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.