CuCr25W1Ni2 contact material of vacuum interrupter

摘要

CuCr25W1Ni2 alloy was prepared by means of vacuum induction melting (VIM). A series of Cu/Cr alloys with different compositions (mass fraction, 25/100～75/100) and Cr grain sizes (up to 150μm) were investigated for their differences in physical properties and breakdown voltage. The influence of alloy elements and microstructure on the perfor- mance of CuCr25W1Ni2 alloy was also discussed. Experimental results show that the chromium phase is strengthened and its size is minimized by the addition of tungsten powder. After electrical breakdown, very fine tungsten particles in the melt layer form the external nuclei in the solidification process. The microstructure of surface melt layer of CuCr25W1Ni2 alloy is much flatter. It can notably improve the dielectric strength. On the other hand, the nickel can enhance the mutual solubility of copper and chromium, and the whole alloy is strengthened.