No electrical engineering without conductors! Hundreds of specialized metal alloys exist just for "wires" because besides s, other demands must be met, too: | Money, Chemistry (try Na!), Mechanical and Thermal properties, Compatibility with other materials, Compatibility with production technologies, ... | |||
Example for unexpected conductors being "best" compromise: | Poly Si, Silicides, TiN, W in integrated circuits. | |||
Don't forget Special Applications: | Contacts (switches, plugs, ...); Resistors; Heating elements; ... | |||
© H. Föll (Electronic Materials - Script)