What materials are used in cables?

The materials used in cables are diverse and depend on their intended use and performance requirements. The main materials include the following categories:

1. Conductor Materials

• Copper: Excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, making it the commonly used conductor material in cables, suitable for power transmission and communication cables.

• Aluminum: Lightweight and cost-effective, with slightly lower conductivity than copper, often used in high-voltage transmission lines and long-span overhead cables.

• Aluminum Alloy: Combines the lightweight properties of aluminum with the conductivity of copper, often used as a substitute for pure aluminum conductors.

• Silver: Offers conductivity but is expensive, primarily used in special applications such as high-frequency communication cables.

• Superconducting Materials: Zero resistance at extremely low temperatures, used in superconducting cables, currently in experimental and specialized applications.

2. Insulation Materials

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Low-cost and corrosion-resistant, widely used for insulation in low-voltage cables.

• Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE): Heat-resistant, aging-resistant, and mechanically strong, commonly used in medium- and high-voltage power cables.

• Rubber: Flexible and wear-resistant, suitable for movable and flexible cables.

• Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR): Heat- and aging-resistant, often used for cable insulation in high-temperature environments.

• Silicone Rubber: Resistant to both high and low temperatures, suitable for cables in environments.

• Fluoroplastics (e.g., PTFE): Heat- and corrosion-resistant, used in special environments and high-frequency cables.

3. Sheathing Materials

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Commonly used for the outer sheath of general cables, providing mechanical protection and corrosion resistance.

• Polyethylene (PE): Weather-resistant, often used for outdoor and submarine cable sheaths.

• Polyurethane (PUR): Wear- and oil-resistant, suitable for movable and industrial cables.

• Nylon: High mechanical strength and wear resistance, often used to enhance protection in cable sheaths.

4. Shielding Materials

• Copper Braided Shielding: Used for electromagnetic shielding to reduce interference.

• Aluminum Foil Shielding: Lightweight and cost-effective, commonly used in communication and signal cables.

• Copper Tape Shielding: Provides better shielding, suitable for high-frequency cables and special applications.

5. Filling Materials

• Polypropylene Rope: Used to fill gaps inside cables, enhancing roundness and mechanical strength.

• Fiberglass: Heat- and corrosion-resistant, used in special cables.

6. Armoring Materials

• Steel Tape Armor: Provides mechanical protection, suitable for directly buried underground cables.

• Steel Wire Armor: Enhances tensile strength, used in submarine and vertically installed cables.

7. Special Materials

• Flame-Retardant Materials: Used in fire-resistant and flame-retardant cables to improve fire safety.

• Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Materials: Produces minimal smoke and is non-toxic when burned, suitable for public spaces and high-rise buildings.

The selection of cable materials depends on the application scenario, performance requirements, and cost considerations. For example, high-voltage transmission cables typically use XLPE insulation and aluminum conductors, while communication cables may use copper conductors and fluoroplastic insulation.