Erosion Behavior of a Cu-Ti(3)AlC(2) Cathode by Multi-Electric Arc

A Cu-Ti(3)AlC(2) cathode was eroded by arc discharging at 10 kV. The cross-sectional and horizontal morphologies of the eroded surface were recorded by a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectrometry were carried out to analyze the compositions. The color-eroded surface was obtained by a three-dimensional laser scanning confocal microscope (3D LSCM). After 100 times of arc erosion, the Cu-Ti(3)AlC(2) melted and resolidified. An eroded layer about 10 μm thick was formed, covered with pits, protrusions, and pores. The breakdown current was kept between 37 to 43 A. Under the action of a high temperature arc, Cu-Ti(3)AlC(2) was oxidized to CuO and TiO(2), accompanying the evaporation of the Al element.