SF

6

gas is widely used in electric power apparatus as an insulation and arc-quenching medium. However

the application of SF

6

gas faces two serious problems

including the heavy global warming effect and high liquefaction temperature. To deal with this issue

lots of research institutes have carried out many experiments and theoretical investigations in recent decades

from which a lot of valuable results have been obtained. We review the recent research progress in SF

6

substitute gases

and emphatically introduce several gases and gas mixtures concerned recently

including single common gas

SF

6

mixture

and new enviroment-friendly gas. Based on the research progress

the main problems faced are analyzed

and the is

sues needed to study urgently are proposed

such as gas-solid composite insulation technology

decomposition

and composition characteristics

heat dispersion performance

composition monitor

and gas filling strategy. Some valuable references are expected to provide for exploration on SF

6

substitute gases and development of new enviroment-friendly electric power devices.