Patent attributes
An arc-interrupting compound, such as melamine, and to a method of extinguishing an arc by disposing the composition along the path of the arc, for contacting the arc. In one embodiment, the binder, or at least a portion of the binder, is a polymer that contains a functional group that binds to a coupling agent that is included in the arc-extinguishing composition. The coupling agent ties the polymeric binder to the arc-extinguishing compound, e.g., melamine, to provide new and unexpected physical strength and stability to the composition. In this embodiment, the molded composition, including the arc-interrupting compound coupled to the binder, maintains excellent arc-interrupting capability, while providing chemical stability and electrical insulating properties as well as unexpected physical strength.