Multiphase Synergy and Friction‐Induced Low‐Wear Mechanisms in Silver‐Based Composites

Silver‐based materials are extensively employed in sliding electrical contacts; however, their tribological performance is often limited by the intrinsic softness and poor wear resistance of pure silver. Recent advancements in multiphase composite designs, incorporating solid lubricants and reinforcing phases, have facilitated substantial enhancements in wear behavior through the implementation of tailored interface engineering methodologies. This review systematically examines the low‐wear mechanisms in silver‐based multiphase composites, with a focus on the coevolution of material and tribological interfaces under friction. The ensuing discourse will address the collective influence of a ductile silver matrix, lubricative phases, and reinforcing constituents on stress distribution, third‐body formation, and tribofilm development. Subsequently, a thorough analysis of the key friction‐induced structural changes is conducted, encompassing tribo‐oxidation, surface amorphization, and gradient nanocrystallization. This analysis is complemented by an examination of self‐healing processes, which enhance interface stability and reduce wear. Furthermore, this review underscores the advent of ultra‐low‐wear regimes facilitated by self‐lubrication, friction‐induced gradient nanostructures, and synergistic coupling between internal material interfaces and external tribo‐interfaces. A combination of ex situ and in situ/operando characterization techniques, as well as multiscale simulations, is employed to establish design principles that link phase selection, interface architecture, and environmental conditions to friction and wear performance.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Engineering Materials
Published
2026-10-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.71372
Primary Topic
Electrical Contact Performance and Analysis
Type
article
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article

Multiphase Synergy and Friction‐Induced Low‐Wear Mechanisms in Silver‐Based Composites

Huiwen Xiong, Lei Zhang, Yong He, Xiuchong Zhu
Advanced Engineering Materials
Electrical Contact Performance and Analysis
article

Multiphase Synergy and Friction‐Induced Low‐Wear Mechanisms in Silver‐Based Composites

Huiwen Xiong, Lei Zhang, Yong He, Xiuchong Zhu
article en

Abstract

Silver‐based materials are extensively employed in sliding electrical contacts; however, their tribological performance is often limited by the intrinsic softness and poor wear resistance of pure silver. Recent advancements in multiphase composite designs, incorporating solid lubricants and reinforcing phases, have facilitated substantial enhancements in wear behavior through the implementation of tailored interface engineering methodologies. This review systematically examines the low‐wear mechanisms in silver‐based multiphase composites, with a focus on the coevolution of material and tribological interfaces under friction. The ensuing discourse will address the collective influence of a ductile silver matrix, lubricative phases, and reinforcing constituents on stress distribution, third‐body formation, and tribofilm development. Subsequently, a thorough analysis of the key friction‐induced structural changes is conducted, encompassing tribo‐oxidation, surface amorphization, and gradient nanocrystallization. This analysis is complemented by an examination of self‐healing processes, which enhance interface stability and reduce wear. Furthermore, this review underscores the advent of ultra‐low‐wear regimes facilitated by self‐lubrication, friction‐induced gradient nanostructures, and synergistic coupling between internal material interfaces and external tribo‐interfaces. A combination of ex situ and in situ/operando characterization techniques, as well as multiscale simulations, is employed to establish design principles that link phase selection, interface architecture, and environmental conditions to friction and wear performance.

Advanced Engineering Materials
Central South University (CN), State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 23%
Electrical Contact Performance and Analysis
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Multiphase Synergy and Friction‐Induced Low‐Wear Mechanisms in Silver‐Based Composites — Huiwen Xiong, Lei Zhang, et al. · Advanced Engineering Materials (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS