METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF ELECTRIC CONTACT MATERIAL, ELECTRIC CONTACT MATERIAL, AND THERMAL FUSE

摘要

Disclosed is a method for producing an electric contact material which is reduced in the occurrence of welding even when exposed to a high temperature atmosphere that is produced by an arc generated upon current switching. Also disclosed is an electric contact material produced by the method. Further disclosed is a thermal fuse. The electric contact material can be produced by supplying oxygen in an amount larger than that needed for causing the internal oxidation of Cu to the surface of an alloy comprising 1 to 15 mass% of Cu and 0.01 to 0.7 mass% of Ni and further comprising Ag and inevitable impurities as the remainder, thereby forming an oxygen-concentrated layer. A thermal fuse can be produced by using a movable electrode produced by using the electric contact material.