Research Progress on Electrical Contact Materials for High-Voltage Circuit Breakers

As the core component responsible for carrying and interrupting current in high-voltage circuit breakers, the performance of electrical contacts directly determines the operational reliability of the circuit breaker and the safety of the power system. This paper systematically reviews the research achievements in the field of high-voltage circuit breaker contacts, with a focus on advancements in key areas including Cu-W contact materials, Cu-Cr contact materials, novel nano-reinforced modification techniques, arc erosion mechanisms, and online monitoring and diagnostic technologies. Finally, perspectives on future research trends are proposed.