Effect of Fe on vacuum breakdown properties of CuW alloys

CuW alloys with different Fe additions were prepared by the infiltration method. The microstructures of the CuW alloys prepared were characterized by a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The effect of Fe content on the surface erosion morphology was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The distribution of cathode spots was analyzed by a digital high-speed video camera. The results show that Fe addition can improve the relative density and thermal conductivity of CuW alloy with less than 0.6 wt.% Fe. However, excessive Fe addition can deteriorate the relative density and thermal conductivity. TEM results show that Fe addition can promote the formation of CuW solution. The area and depth of the erosion pits on the surface of CuW alloy depend on the breakdown position. Fe addition can strengthen the interface bond of Cu and W, improve the arc stability and the division of the cathode spots and, thus, avoid the concentration erosion.

Research highlights
► The breakdown behavior of CuW-Fe alloy was studied by a digital high-speed video camera.
► Fe addition can promote the formation of CuW solution.
► Fe addition can improve the vacuum arc stability of CuW alloy.