There is a great need for contact materials for use in Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCB) that possess good electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as superior mechanical strength. The most common contact material for medium voltage and high current VCB applications has been the copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) alloy, which was developed in the 1970’s. Although Cu-Cr alloys are of great interest due to their good electrical and thermal conductivity in conjunction with high strength and ductility, the usage of up to 50% of Cr (a strategic metal) in certain alloys is cost prohibitive. Subsequently, any reduction in the amount of Cr required without a compromise in the desired properties of the alloy is desirable. 

Previous researchers have focused their efforts on developing Cu-Cr alloys with fine and uniform microstructure to enhance the physical properties.  This investigation focused on the development of a Cu-Cr-MWCNT composite material that possesses enhanced properties as compared to the currently used materials. A remarkable increase in the electrical conductivity and strength of the composite was achieved with 5-15 % addition of the ternary element.