Russian and Spanish scientists have developed an aluminum alloy for conductors that combines high strength and good electrical conductivity with reduced production costs.
Researchers from NUST MISIS and the University of the Balearic Islands found that expensive scandium in the composition can be replaced by more affordable samarium without losing properties. It was also established that small impurities of iron and silicon accelerate the formation of the material's strengthening structure.
According to experts, during heat treatment, nanoparticles form in the alloy, which increase strength and are evenly distributed in the metal structure. At the same time, the necessary level of hardening is achieved in about ten hours, which is faster than with similar materials.
The new alloy maintains electrical conductivity at about 55% of copper and is being considered for use in cables and elements of energy infrastructure where strength and cost-effectiveness are important.
