ELECTRICAL CONTACT ELEMENT AND AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT

摘要

The present invention relates to an electrical contact element for providing electrical contact in an electrical circuit, where the contact element includes a Me- 16/17 compound acting as a lubricant of at least part of at least one contact surface of the contact element, a Me- 16/17 compound being a compound formed by at least one metal and an element from group 16 or 17 of the periodic table. At least part of at least one contact surface is formed from a Me-16/17 compound composite material comprising a matrix of a metallically conducting material and particles formed from a Me-16/17 compound. By using a Me-16/17 compound composite material as a surface material, a contact surface of high durability and low, stable contact resistance can be achieved. The matrix of the composite material ensures good conductivity, so that a composite material thickness which ensures desirable durability properties can be provided, while keeping the contact resistance within acceptable limits.