Hydrophobicity of silicone rubber used for outdoor insulation

J. W. Chang, R. S. Gorur

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

The objectives of this study on silicone rubber materials were: (1) to determine the threshold of low molecular weight (LMW) silicone polymer on the surface needed for hydrophobicity recovery, after it has been temporarily lost due to dry band arcing, and (2) to determine the dominant source of LMW chain regeneration after the initial supply has been depleted. The samples were obtained from new and artificially aged high voltage composite insulators using HTV silicone rubbers for weathersheds, and ceramic insulators using RTV silicone rubbers as a protective coating. The experimental techniques used were Crossover Voltage (COV), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and X-Ray Mapping (XRM), all performed in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results indicate that only a small fraction (10% to 20%) of the LMW polymer content present on an unaged material surface is needed for hydrophobicity recovery. The trend in the results was consistent for the different compositions of HTV and RTV silicone rubber materials evaluated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Properties and Applications of Dielectric Materials
Place of PublicationPiscataway, NJ, United States
PublisherIEEE
Pages266-269
Number of pages4
Volume1
StatePublished - 1994
EventProceedings of the 1994 IEEE 4th International Conference on Properties and Applications of Dielectric Materials. Part 2 (of 2) - Brisbane, Aust
Duration: Jul 3 1994Jul 8 1994

Other

OtherProceedings of the 1994 IEEE 4th International Conference on Properties and Applications of Dielectric Materials. Part 2 (of 2)
CityBrisbane, Aust
Period7/3/947/8/94

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

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