Novel rotation-cylinder method for the processing of binary alloys with no range of solid solubility

The Ag–Fe binary system is of commercial importance for providing electrical contact materials replacing cancerous Cd-bearing Ag-CdO. Until now, however, Ag–Fe contact materials can only be manufactured by powder metallurgy, simply because there is no range of solid solubility of Fe in Ag. The purpose of this study is to develop a cost-effective molten-metal process for the production Ag–Fe binary contact materials based on a rotation-cylinder method (RCM), in terms of replacing cancerous Ag-CdO as well as reducing material cost and process cost. The present study includes RCM for alloying Ag and Fe, subsequent extrusion and drawing procedures, manufacturing step for solid-type and clad-type electrical contacts and finally mechanical properties of them.