Effects of Zr addition on properties and vacuum arc characteristics of Cu-W alloy

In the present research, CuZrW alloys were prepared by CuZr alloys infiltrating W skeleton technique. After the solution and aging treatment, the properties, microstructures and vacuum arc characteristics of CuZrW alloys were studied. The results show that the electrical conductivity and hardness of CuZrW alloys is increased slightly after the solution and aging treatment. The vacuum arcs on the CuZrW cathode materials surface were scattered effectively because the element Zr strengthens the Cu/W interphase and the rich Cu phase zones. And the molten copper splash is slight and fine dispersed erosion craters were formed on the cathode surface during the vacuum electrical breakdown. In the vacuum discharge course, CuZrW alloys exhibit excellent arc stability, the chopping current is lower and the arc life-span is longer than that of Cu-W alloys.