Does aluminum conduct electricity

Does aluminum conduct electricity？

Aluminium is one of the world’s most used materials due to its versatility and varied benefits. It is lightweight, strong, enduring, and easy to recycle, making it the perfect choice for a variety of applications and industrial uses. Aside from its recyclability and durability, aluminium also has other key features, one of which is an excellent conductor of electricity. The conductivity means that aluminium has been widely used for electrical applications such as wiring and cables whilst also offering a more cost-effective solution for industry, home, manufacturing and transportation.

Electrical conductivity of aluminum

Aluminum is known for its excellent electrical conductivity, about 61% that of copper. Its lightweight and resistance to corrosion make it ideal for various applications. Are you interested in specific uses or comparisons?

How to measure conductivity?

Conductivity tells you how well a metal can conduct electricity. It is a measure of a material’s tendency to conduct electrical current.

Conductivity is measured in Siemens (S) per meter (m). For aluminum, a known current is passed through the aluminum sample, and the voltage drop is measured using probes.

This can be used to calculate the conductivity of aluminum metal using a formula.

Comparison of electrical conductivity of common metals

Factors That Affect Electrical Conductivity

Certain factors can affect how well a material conducts electricity. ThoughtCo explains these factors here:

• Temperature: Changing the temperature of silver or any other conductor alters its conductivity. In general, increasing the temperature causes thermal excitation of the atoms and decreases conductivity while increasing resistivity. The relationship is linear, but it breaks down at low temperatures.
• Impurities: Adding an impurity to a conductor decreases its conductivity. For example, sterling silver is not as good of a conductor as pure silver. Oxidized silver is not as good a conductor as untarnished silver. Impurities hinder electron flow.
• Crystal structure and phases: If there are different phases of a material, conductivity will slow slightly at the interface and may be different from one structure to another. The way a material has been processed can affect how well it conducts electricity.
• Electromagnetic fields: Conductors generate their own electromagnetic fields when electricity runs through them, with the magnetic field perpendicular to the electric field. External electromagnetic fields can produce magnetoresistance, which can slow the flow of current.
• Frequency: The number of oscillation cycles an alternating electrical current completes per second is its frequency in hertz. Above a certain level, a high frequency can cause current to flow around a conductor rather than through it (skin effect). Since there is no oscillation and hence no frequency, the skin effect does not occur with direct current.

Does Aluminum Finishing Impact Electrical Conductivity?

The choice of surface finish for an aluminum product can have a profound effect on the electrical conductivity properties of the metal. To understand this, we need to consider the natural oxide layer that aluminum forms on its surface.
This oxide layer makes aluminum very corrosion-resistant, which is often a desired trait. However, the aluminum-oxide layer does not conduct electricity; it’s an insulator. Consider that when you apply an anodizing surface treatment to an aluminum product, the oxide layer becomes much thicker. And the consequence of anodizing is that it will electrically isolate the underlying metal.
Another typical surface finish for aluminum products is powder coating. This process confers the aluminum product with a protective and decorative layer on the surface, but it also affects electrical conductivity. The resulting product will still have some degree of conductivity, so it will not become insulated, but it won’t be as conductive as bare aluminum.

Which applications are based on aluminum as an electrical conductor?

The excellent conductivity of aluminum, along with its other advantageous properties, makes it a popular choice in the electrical industry. Some key applications of aluminum in electrical systems include:

• Electrical Transmission Lines: Aluminum is often used for overhead power cables and transmission lines. It offers an efficient and cost-effective alternative to copper, as it can carry large amounts of electrical current over long distances without significant power loss. Additionally, aluminum is lighter in weight, making the installation and maintenance of transmission lines easier and more economical.
• Wiring and Electrical Connectors: Aluminum is also used in electrical wiring systems, especially in commercial and industrial buildings. It is commonly found in building service entrances, switchgear, and circuit breakers. Aluminum conductors are lightweight, flexible, and easy to handle, making them suitable for a variety of electrical applications.
• Heat Sink and Heat Transfer Systems: Aluminum’s high thermal conductivity makes it an excellent choice for heat sink and heat transfer systems in electrical components, such as power transistors and processors. The ability of aluminum to draw heat away from these components helps to prevent overheating and ensures the efficient operation of electronic devices.
• Capacitors and Electrical Conductors: Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are widely used in electronic devices, including power supplies, audio equipment, and automotive systems. Aluminum’s ability to conduct electricity allows it to store and discharge electrical energy in these capacitors. Additionally, aluminum is used as a coating on electrical conductors, providing them with protection against corrosion and enhancing their electrical performance.
• Aluminum Foils and Busbars: Aluminum foils are used as conductive elements in batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, due to their high electrical conductivity and lightweight nature. Aluminum busbars, which are flat strips or bars of aluminum, are also commonly used in electrical equipment for distributing power safely and efficiently.

FAQs

Is aluminum a conductor or an insulator?

Aluminum is a metal, and like other metals, it is a good conductor of electricity. Conductors are materials that allow current to flow through them, and insulators are materials in which current cannot easily pass through.

What is more conductive: steel or aluminum?

Steel and aluminum are both metals that are good conductors of electricity. However, aluminum has a higher electrical conductivity than steel, which means that aluminum is more conductive.