Review of the recent Chinese research on the electrical properties of CuCr contacts for vacuum interrupters

Vacuum interrupters are important components to ensure the safety of medium and high-voltage power transmission, and contact material is an important factor affecting the performance of vacuum interrupters. CuCr contact materials have been used in most commercial vacuum interrupters. This paper summarizes the research status of the electrical properties of CuCr contacts used in vacuum interrupters, analyses the factors influencing the electrical properties of CuCr contacts, and summarizes the relevant mechanisms, which point out the direction for improving the properties of CuCr alloys and promotes the development of subsequent research on the electrical properties of CuCr contacts. Finally, the electrical properties of CuCr contacts prepared by self-propagating metallurgy based on the Al–CuO–Cr2O3 reaction system are summarized.