摘要 |
<p>A spark plug (20) includes at least one electrode(22, 24) having a sparking end (28, 32). The sparking end (28, 32) is formed of a high temperature performance alloy including chromium in an amount of 10.0 weight percent to 60.0 weight percent, palladium in an amount of 0.5 weight percent to 10.0 weight percent, and a balance substantially of at least one of molybdenum and tungsten. The sparking end (28, 32) presents a spark contact surface (36, 44), and at a temperature of at least 500° C., such as during use of the spark plug (20) in an internal combustion engine, a layer (50) of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) forms at said spark contact surface (36, 44). The layer (50) of Cr2O3 protects the bulk of the sparking end 32, 38 from the extreme conditions of the combustion chamber and prevents erosion, corrosion, and balling.</p> |