Geartech BR is a reference in the import and commercialization of electrical insulators. But in this article in particular we don’t want to talk especially about electrical insulators, but about conductors of electricity and cite some examples of good conductors. Keep reading to find out more!
Electrical conductors are materials that have characteristic properties of free particles in their layer that are electrically charged.
That is, when some kind of electrical charge is applied to a metal, the electrons will move. And so allow electricity to flow through it.
Thus, those materials that have a greater malleability of electrons are those that have better electrical conductivity characteristics, while those with low or zero movement of electrons with the passage of electricity are insulators or electrical insulators.
Talking about electrical conductivity, it is a quantity used to establish the ability of each material to receive electrical charges and maintain the flow of current.
In an easier way to understand, conductivity is the opposite of electrical resistivity. That is, while resistivity is the magnitude that measures how much a certain material blocks the passage of electric current, electrical conductivity is the magnitude that measures how much a certain material lets electricity flow in its body.
Solid materials have an amazing electrical conduction characteristic, so much so that one of the most common ways to classify solids is by their conductivity.
Here are some examples of good drivers
After we talk a little about electrical conductors and conductivity, let’s show you some examples of good conductors. Starting with silver.
Silver is one of the solids with the most free electrons in its last layer, making it an excellent conductor of electricity.
Copper, on the other hand, has a much lower number of free electrons than silver, but its use is on a larger scale due to its cost and mechanical properties well meeting the needs and approvals of simple projects. The cables of electronic devices, for example, are mostly made with copper inside.
Silver is used in electricity, but on specific occasions and in equipment that will have applications where silver will guarantee a longer useful life for the project, as in the case of satellites.
Another excellent example of a good electrical conductor is gold.
Gold has chemical and mechanical characteristics that make it very valuable in the world of electricity as well.
Gold, unlike steel and other metals, does not oxidize on exposure to oxygen. Therefore, it is widely used in integrated circuits and connectors.
There is also the application of a gold bath in some conductors to improve the conductivity of the material and not increase the cost so much.
Aluminum is also a material that has a better conductivity than copper and costs less, but it has a small defect: it is oxidizable. In this way, to be used in high voltage cables, they receive a steel cover protection to minimize this structural failure of aluminum.
We talked a little about conductors. But if you really need electrical insulators, Geartech BR can help! Contact us and learn more!
