New Aluminum Base Materials for Use on Electrical Purposes

Abstract

Modern power industry expects new, dedicated aluminum based alloys with non-standard properties, including increased resistance to temperature. Materials exhibiting higher thermal resistance allow to increase operating temperature of electrical conductors, which results in the increase of their current carrying capacity. Commonly known and used in such applications are alloys from the AlZr group. Despite their advantages scientists from around the world are searching for new alternatives. In this paper authors present research results on Al-Mo and Al-Ag alloys with particular interest to the analysis of the molybdenum addition to the aluminum in the amount of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2% and silver addition in the amount of 0.05, 0.1, 0.15% by mass on the mechanical and electrical properties of obtained alloys. Tests were also carried out for reference material which is high-purity aluminum and the AlZr alloy, both in the as cast state temper. Results showed a significant change of temperature coefficient of resistance in Al-Ag alloys compared to Al, which leads to possible increase of the Joule’a heat without the raise of conductors temperature limit. On the other hand, above-average heat resistance of alloys from the Al-Mo group of materials was achieved during the trials. On that basis authors state that Al-Ag alloys may be used for the production of ACSS conductors and Al-Mo alloys for TACSR or TACIR type of conductors.This study was performed under a project financed by NCBiR within the INNOTECH II program.