How can aluminum alloys replace copper?

How can aluminum alloys replace copper?

In 1888, Hall established the world's first aluminum electrolysis plant, the Pittsburgh Metallurgical Company, in Pittsburgh and produced the first commercial piece of aluminum. The company manufactures daily necessities such as aluminum teapots and makes several aluminum alloys. From 1888 to 1893, the price of aluminum ingots fell from $10.7/kg to $1.72/kg. Around 1990, aluminum foil, wire, cable and other products also came out.

The standard electrode potential of aluminum is -1.662V, and the electrochemical equivalent is 0.3356g/(A·h). The density of aluminum is only 30.13% that of copper, so replacing copper with aluminum can significantly reduce the mass of the workpiece, thereby saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Is it feasible to replace copper with aluminum?

"Replacing copper with aluminum" does not refer to the use of aluminum instead of copper in all fields and sectors, but mainly refers to the production of conductive and thermal (heat dissipation) parts with aluminum instead of copper.

Aluminum is about 70% lighter than copper, which can reduce the weight of the workpiece and make the workpiece installation easier. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, the production of high-voltage lines began to replace copper with aluminum, which greatly reduced the tension on conductors and poles (towers). The automotive and aerospace industries are also using aluminum conductors. The Airbus A380 is the world's largest airliner built by European Airbus for about 800 people, and all the wires on the airliner are aluminum.

But is it safe to use aluminum wires instead of copper wires at home? It turns out to be safe and there is no need to worry at all. Since the mid-60s of the 20th century, North America has massively changed residential electrical wiring to aluminum. In other parts of the world, "aluminum wire into the home" is earlier. Aluminum wire probably appeared in 1990, when Alcoa used the aluminum it extracted to pull out the wire.