Abstract
Composite materials based on noble metals such as silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt) and non-ferrous metals such as copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) are predominantly used for electro-technical applications. In some cases certain properties e.g. thermal expansion, thermal and electrical conductivity or property combinations, like good conductivity at high strength must be obtained, which cannot be achieved by single material. In other cases pure metals and alloys may reach their application limits because of high thermal and mechanical loads. In these cases composite materials are often used to extent application areas and limits.
The predominant application of composite materials with noble and/or non-ferrous metal matrix is in the area of electrical contact and bimetal materials. Further applications, particularly of layer composite materials are in jewellery and as wear and corrosion protection layers.
