Analysis of space charge and charge trap characteristics of gamma irradiated silicone rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

Silicone rubber is widely used for electrical insulation and may be exposed to a harsh environment. The present study envisaged to improve insulation properties of silicone rubber by adding an optimised quantity of nanofillers. The fundamental space charge and charge trap characteristics were studied by adopting the pulsed electroacoustic analysis technique and through surface potential measurement. The dielectric properties of the materials were analysed through measurement of permittivity and loss factor of the material at different frequencies and temperatures. The influence of gamma irradiation on variations in fundamental properties of the material was characterised. The results of the study indicate that 5 wt.% alumina added nanocomposites had better space charge performance under gamma irradiation compared with virgin silicone rubber.

Understanding the Surface Condition of Silicone Rubber Nanocomposite Due to Corona Aging Using AFM Imaging and LIBS Spectroscopy

“…5. Typical AFM images of unaged (a) 0, (b) 5, and (c) 10 wt% nano alumina added silicone rubber nanocomposites.The distribution of alumina nanofiller in silicone rubber is analysed using SEM analysis and shown in our previous study[8]. The adopted method for preparation of nanocomposite sample showed a good dispersion up to 5 wt%, and above that limit, nanoparticles tend to agglomerate.…”

“…Many researchers investigated the ageing of silicone rubber by corona and concluded that the addition of a small number of nanoparticles to the polymer base matrix increases the barrier resistance of the polymer chain and improves the surface erosion and degradation resistance to multiple ageing parameters including corona discharge. Considerable works were carried out to understand the impact of the corona discharge to silicone rubber [8][9][10]. Maoqiang Bi et al, have indicated that corona ageing of silicone rubber in high humid zone can cause intense damage to the material [11].…”

Investigation on the Surface Condition of Gamma Irradiated Silicone Rubber Micro-Nanocomposites

“…Free radicals are produced when gamma ray energy is absorbed by an organic polymer and these radicals react with oxygen in the presence of oxygen to produce peroxy radicals and hydroperoxides. Which further interact with polymer molecules leading to the occurrence of crosslinking and chain scission reactions in the polymer [13], [14], [15]. The impact of gamma radiation on the polymeric insulating materials is mainly dependent on the radiation dosage as well as ambience of irradiation [16].…”

Investigation of charge dynamics in the corona‐aged silicone rubber alumina nanocomposite

“…Khanum et al [ 15 ] studied the impact of nanofiller type and concentration on the electrical and thermal properties of silicone rubber and concluded that the addition of alumina nanofillers improves the tracking resistance and thermal conductivity of the material. Thangabalan et al [ 16 ] studied the charge trap and space charge characteristics of gamma irradiated silicone rubber alumina nanocomposites and found that with the addition of alumina nanofillers to the base polymer the increment in space charge density and reduction in maximum charge trap is restricted under gamma irradiation.…”