Geartech BR is an importer of films, polyester compounds and electrical insulators. Here on our blog, you can find some articles talking about conductors and electrical insulators.
In this particular article, we want to talk a little more about the two and give 10 examples of each. That is, 10 electrical conductors and 10 electrical insulators. Keep reading to learn more!
Do you know how to make a conductive or insulating material electrical? Quite simply, electrical conductors are materials that conduct electricity and electrical insulators are materials that do not conduct.
If a substance conducts electricity is determined by the ease with which electrons move through it, electrical conductivity depends on the electron’s movement, as protons and neutrons do not move. They are linked to other protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei.
See below for a list of the top 10 electrical conductors.
10 electrical conductors
The best electrical conductor, under normal conditions of temperature and pressure, is the silver metallic element. Silver is not always the ideal choice as a material, however, because it is expensive and susceptible to stains, and the oxide layer known as stains is not conductive.
Likewise, rust, verdigris and other oxide layers reduce conductivity even in the strongest conductors. The most effective electrical conductors are:
Silver
Gold
Copper
Aluminum
Mercury
Steel
Iron
Sea water
Concrete
Mercury
Other strong drivers include:
Platinum
Brass
Bronze
Graphite
Dirty water
Lemon juice
10 electrical insulators
Electrical charges do not flow freely through electrical insulators. This is an ideal quality in many cases. Electrical insulators considered “strong” are often used to coat or provide a barrier between conductors to keep electrical currents under control. This can be seen on rubber-coated wires and cables. The most effective electrical insulators are:
Eraser
Glass
Pure water
Oil
Air
Diamond
Dry wood
Dry cotton
Plastic
Asphalt
Other strong electrical insulators include:
Fiberglass
Dry paper
Porcelain
Ceramics
Quartz
Other factors that influence conductivity
The shape and size of a material affects its conductivity. For example, a thick piece of material will conduct better than a thin piece of the same size and length.
If you have two pieces of material of the same thickness, but one is shorter than the other, the shorter one will lead better because the shorter piece has less resistance, just as it is easier to force water through a pipe short than a long.
Temperature also affects conductivity. As the temperature increases, the atoms and their electrons gain energy. Some electrical insulators such as glass are bad conductors when cold, but good conductors when hot.
Most metals are better conductors when cold and less efficient when hot. Some good conductors become superconducting at extremely low temperatures.
Sometimes, the conduction itself changes the temperature of a material. Electrons flow through the conductors without damaging the atoms or causing wear. Moving electrons experience resistance, however. Because of this, the flow of electrical currents can heat conductive materials.
As we said at the beginning, Geartech BR is an importer of electrical insulating products. If you are looking for this type of material, please contact us. Here on our website, you can learn more details about our products and services and also request a quote. We are at your disposal!
