Corrosion Resistance
While pure aluminum offers better corrosion resistance than copper, aluminum alloys perform even better. The addition of elements such as rare earths enhances corrosion resistance-particularly against electrochemical corrosion-thereby resolving the long-standing issue of electrochemical corrosion at connection points often seen with pure aluminum.
Mechanical Properties
First, tensile strength and elongation. Compared to pure aluminum conductors, aluminum alloy conductors incorporate special components and processing techniques that significantly boost tensile strength. With elongation increased to 30%, they offer greater safety and reliability.
Second, bending performance. Pure aluminum cables have poor bending characteristics and are prone to fracture when bent. In contrast, aluminum alloy power cables feature a bending radius of seven times the cable's outer diameter-far superior to the 10–20 times specified in the GB/T12706 standard for minimum installation bending radii.
Third, flexibility. Pure aluminum conductors can crack or snap after just a few twists at certain angles, creating accident risks. Aluminum alloy power cables, however, can withstand dozens of bending cycles; this eliminates the hazards associated with pure aluminum cables during installation and use, vastly improving safety and reliability.
Electrical Conductivity
Aluminum alloy conductors are a new type of conductor material created by adding elements such as rare earth, magnesium, copper, and iron to pure aluminum. While adding alloying elements typically reduces conductivity, precise process control allows the conductivity to be restored to a level approaching that of pure aluminum, resulting in a similar current-carrying capacity.
Creep Resistance
Pure aluminum has poor creep resistance. Thermal expansion and contraction caused by repeated power cycling lead to significant creep at connection points; over time, this causes loosening and increased contact resistance, resulting in overheating and potential accidents. The creep resistance of AA8000 series aluminum alloys is 300% that of pure aluminum conductors, greatly reducing the likelihood of cable connection loosening and improving the quality of the connection.