Aluminum-magnesium-silicon (Al-Mg-Si) alloys are the most widely used aluminum alloys for wires and cables. In 2020, global consumption of these alloys exceeded 5,000 kt, with consumption in China estimated at over 1,600 kt-accounting for more than 30% of the total.
Russia is currently developing aluminum alloys for conductors that feature a nanostructured microstructure; these alloys exhibit a tensile strength of 320–370 MPa and an electrical conductivity ranging from 57.2% to 56.1% IACS.
Energy-efficient conductors-such as those utilizing high-conductivity aluminum, aluminum alloy cores, or all-aluminum alloy constructions-along with high-capacity conductors-such as those incorporating heat-resistant aluminum alloys, soft aluminum shaped wires, or carbon-fiber composite cores-represent key future development directions for advanced conductors, as they can effectively enhance the power transmission capacity of overhead lines.
