Effect of La on arc erosion behaviors and oxidation resistance of Cu alloys

Cu with and without La addition was prepared and the effect of a trace amount of La on the arc erosion behaviors and oxidation resistance of Cu alloys was investigated. The results indicate that CuLa alloy exhibits superior oxidation resistance and arc erosion resistance. The contact resistance and temperature rise were obviously improved. The oxidation resistance of CuLa alloy mainly is due to the interface wrapping of La2O3 particles and CuLa alloy phase on Cu atoms. Thermodynamic calculation indicated that La2O3 could form preferentially in the CuLa alloy, which was beneficial for the protection of the Cu substrate. According to kinetics analysis, the activation energy of CuLa alloy was higher than that of pure Cu, indicating the better oxidation resistance of CuLa alloys.