Nonlinear Electrical Behavior of Treated ZnO-EPDM Nanocomposites

Abstract

Highly nonlinear electrically insulating materials have applications in high voltage cable applications. In this contribution, nanocomposites were prepared by blending ZnO nanoparticles or ZnO nanoparticles treated with aqueous SnX 2 (X= F or Cl), with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). The treated powders were a heterogeneous mixture of ZnO and SnO and show enhanced nonlinearity compared to pure ZnO. It was demonstrated that at certain filler concentrations, the resulting nanocomposites exhibited highly nonlinear I-V characteristics. We attempt to draw correlations between the phases present in the powders, the morphology, the nonlinear behavior of the powders, and the composite nonlinear I-V properties.

Nonlinear Electrical Conduction in Polymer Composites for Field Grading in High-Voltage Applications: A Review

“…Wang et al [ 58 ] fabricated a composite with EPDM and 20 vol.% ZnO nanoparticles or 20 vol.% ZnO nanoparticles treated with aqueous SnX 2 (X = F or Cl). The particles had a size of 63 nm.…”

“…As shown in Figure 14 a, the treated fillers showed enhanced nonlinear conduction compared to pure ZnO [ 58 ]. With controlled treatments, the conductivity can remain constant at low field, and the onset of nonlinearity and the nonlinear coefficient can be adjusted through surface treatment [ 58 ]. For example, by increasing the concentration of SnF 2 solution, the conductivity of fillers can be increased [ 58 ].…”

“…With controlled treatments, the conductivity can remain constant at low field, and the onset of nonlinearity and the nonlinear coefficient can be adjusted through surface treatment [ 58 ]. For example, by increasing the concentration of SnF 2 solution, the conductivity of fillers can be increased [ 58 ]. For composites, Figure 14 b shows the resistivity as a function of the electric field [ 58 ].…”

“…For example, by increasing the concentration of SnF 2 solution, the conductivity of fillers can be increased [ 58 ]. For composites, Figure 14 b shows the resistivity as a function of the electric field [ 58 ]. The nonlinear coefficient and conductivity increase for composites with ZnO treatment.…”

Fabrication of an Electrically-Resistive, Varistor-Polymer Composite

“…It was demonstrated that the improved tribo-performance of the nano composite was attributable to the mechanical properties of the nano particles. In addition, ceramic fillers, such as ZnO, have well-known, non-linear behaviors, which were studied by Wang et al [19]. ZnO/EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) nanocomposites were processed by melt blending in their research.…”