Composite arc shields for vacuum interrupters and methods for forming same

A method for preparing a vacuum interrupter, comprising:

• forming a tubular vacuum cavity, comprising:
• a first ceramic portion;
• a second ceramic portion;
• and
• an arc-resistant shield, comprising:
• a shield structure having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a first end and an opposite second end;
• and
• an arc-resistant material, comprising:
• copper-chromium alloy, comprising:
• copper selected from the group consisting of pure copper and copper alloy;
• and
• chromium alloy comprising ferrochrome,
• wherein the arc-resistant material is applied to at least a portion of the interior surface of the shield structure to form a layer, or
• wherein the arc-resistant material is co-formed with the shield structure to form a composite;
• a first electrode assembly;
• and
• a second electrode assembly;
• positioning the arc-resistant shield between the first and second ceramic portions;
• hermetically sealing the first end of the shield structure to the first ceramic portion;
• hermetically sealing the opposite second end of the shield structure to the second ceramic portion;
• and
• positioning the first and second electrode assemblies within a portion of the cavity defined by the arc-resistant shield, said first and second electrode assemblies being separable to establish arcing.