Key aspects of the materials and processes associated with the synthesis and use of distributed filament contacts from PAN fiber based composites

Distributed Filament Contacts (DFCs) are an emerging class of non-metallic, electrical contacts which are technically interesting and commercially useful. Conductive carbon fiber filled composites are pultruded, then laser or waterjet processed into contact surfaces that are rich in oriented and continuous carbon fiber that is distributed across the entire contact face and available to conduct current across a separable interface. The combination of a high degree of contact-spot redundancy, low mating force, and predictable contact resistance makes these contacts acceptable for certain applications requiring high reliability. This paper discusses the features and physics of novel Distributed Filament Contacts which have been developed for use as slip ring devices.