Erosion Behavior of a Cu-Ti₃AlC₂ Cathode by Multi-Electric Arc

A Cu-Ti₃AlC₂ 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-Ti₃AlC₂ 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-Ti₃AlC₂ was oxidized to CuO and TiO₂, accompanying the evaporation of the Al element.