Metallurgical Investigation of Aluminum Wires for Overhead Conductors

摘要

A detailed metallurgical investigation of aluminum wires for overhead conductors was made to study the variation in corrosion resistance. X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis and optical-, scanning electron- and transmission electron microscopy, TEM, studies were carried out. In particular, TEM examinations demonstrated that grain structure was the most significant feature affecting corrosion properties. Variations in the grain structure were shown to result in turn, from differing hot rolling conditions in respect of the continuously cast wire rod. It was concluded that corrosion resistance of the wire could be improved by adjusting the parameters of the hot rolling process.