Abstract:
Electrical contacts are the core components of circuit breakers and other switching equipment, and the current high-voltage switch contacts are mainly made of Cu-W alloy materials. When the circuit breaker disconnects the fault current or the circuit breaker is cut with reactive power compensation, it will produce a strong arc, resulting in contact fusion welding,even premature failure. The performance of the electric contact material directly affects the stability and safety of the power system operation, so it is very necessary to modify and enhance it. The traditional reinforcement methods such as alloy elements and compound particles have some defects, such as poor compatibility between reinforcement phase and matrix and weak interfacial bonding strength. Carbon nanotube reinforced contact material has excellent performance in extreme environment, but it is difficult to prepare. The use of high strength, high hardness and good self-lubricating carbon fiber to strengthen the Cu-W contact materials has obvious advantages. Under the above background, based on the strengthening needs and common methods of Cu-W electrical contact materials, the mechanism and advantages of carbon fiber reinforced Cu-W electrical contact materials were analyzed, and the preparation method of carbon fiber reinforced Cu-W electrical contact materials was introduced. Finally, the difficulties in preparing carbon fiber reinforced Cu-W electrical contact materials was summarized and the solutions were prospected.