what kind of dye can be used ?
It was tried several years ago for transmission lines, but was scrapped because Aluminum has too low of a melting point, and it also goes to liquid state very quickly when that critical temperature is reachedAluminum was thought to be a good idea because it cools quickly, but alas it also heats up quickly too.
Alluminium has some problems- 1It has low tensile strength, which makes it suitable only for the wiring with no bending like in long transmission line2Unlike copper it can not be strended many timesThough aluminium is cheaper and lighter for a given current density, it can not be used in household wiring which is subjected numerous bendingIt is widely used in transmission, distribution lines and in aircraft.
Aluminum is the electrical conductor of choice for high voltage, high-power applicationsHowever, its use in low voltage, residential applications is very limitedAluminum offers excellent conductivity, is light in weight (a major factor in both installation and also in sizing the structures that hold conductors), and is relatively inexpensiveBut aluminum has two characteristics that are problematic1Cold flow: this is the property that results from aluminum being a fairly soft materialWhen it is subjected to pressure, for example in an electrical connection, aluminum tends to gradually conform to the pressure that is applied in the joint, with the result that over time, the joint becomes looseA loose joint presents more resistance, and current through resistance produces heatIn the 1950's, there were attempts to use aluminum wiring in residential applications, but there were many instances of fires that resulted from these loosened connectionsIt is possible to overcome the cold flow problem by using special connectors that apply constant pressure (basically, spring-loaded fittings), but these are not practical in low-voltage residential applications2Oxidation: when aluminum oxidizes, it forms a non-conducting skin that is essentially invisibleThis oxide can further increase the resistance in a connection and add to the fire hazardThe solution to this problem is to use special conducting grease in the connection - the grease seals the surface from air to prevent further oxidation, and fine zinc particles in the grease penetrate any oxide layer that might already be there to reduce resistance Unfortunately, the use of conducting grease is also inappropriate for residential low-voltage applicationsToday, aluminum conductors are commonly used for the main service entrance in a homeBut aluminum wire is no used for ordinary lighting and receptacle circuits.
You probably won't find a dye to work on this type fabric because it is a polyester type fabric, an acryllic or plastic based one, the fiber for this is dyed before the fiber is extruded for yarn while it is in liquid formThese types do not take up dye, although they may stain temporarily and will then fade quickly or rub offSorry.
Aluminum does not conduct as well as copper for wires of the same size ( but I would need to make some calculations to tell you how it compares by weight) Your question is goodAluminum is used extensively for electrical wiring, but copper is preferred for for numerous practical reasonsOne of the advantages which aluminum has over copper is cost, but in most cases the economy doesn't compensate for the other drawbacks.
