Abstract: Gold-based intermetallic compounds suitable as a contact material for electrical contacts are presented. The gold-based electrical compounds are selected from a group consisting of Au.sub.4 In, Au.sub.10 Sn, and AuPd or from intermetallic compounds having an ordered hexagonal crystal structure and of the type Au.sub.n X where n is at least 3 and X is selected from a group consisting of In, Sn, and Pd.

Abstract: There is presented gold based contact materials fabricated by internal carization and method therefor. Carburizable refractory elements are carburized by internal carburization by exposing a gold based solid solution containing the refractory element to an atmosphere of a gaseous oxide of carbon at an elevated temperature. The elevated temperature is chosen to be below the melting point of the solid solution and high enough to cause gaseous decomposition of a carbon material packed with the solid solution within an enclosing container. The carburizable refractory element with the solid solution is preferentially carburized by the gaseous oxide of carbon to form hard, refractory second phase carbide particles within the gold matrix.

Abstract: A gold based electrical contact material comprising an oxide of an oxidize element in the gold matrix formed by subjecting the solid solution to an oxidizing atmosphere for internally oxidizing the oxidizable element is presented. Such internal oxidation forms hard second phase oxide particles dispersed throughout the solution having high wear resistance, high hardness, high strength and high conductivity with homogeneous and uncontaminated structure.

Abstract: There is presented an electrical contact material consisting of an alloy of gold and a compound selected from a group consisting of a carbide, a boride, or a silicide of a refractory element. The compound of the refractory element is selected from a group consisting of WC, Hfb.sub.2, TiB.sub.2, ZrB.sub.2, WSi.sub.2, and TiSi.sub.2. The resulting alloys have a hexagonal crystal structure and exhibit high wear resistance, low contact resistance, low electrical noise, and a homogeneous uncontaminated microstructure.