Influence of corona discharge on the hydrophobic behaviour of nano/micro filler based silicone rubber insulators

Abstract Silicone rubber is one of the most used outdoor insulation materials in last few decades due to its improved performance contaminated and humid conditions. The silicone insulators their hydrophobic nature, however, organic nature molecules makes them vulnerable ageing degradation. This paper aims at investigating loss recovery hydrophobicity four different micro/nanocomposites exposed corona discharge. samples were discharge generated by pin-plate electrode configuration under AC stress. A series tests performed observe impact electrode-sample gaps for various periods exposure. was measured pre post exposures intervals up 72 h. time could confirm process. Numerical simulations also COMSOL Multiphysics investigate electric fields along sample surface gaps. Experimental results showed that proportional duration exposure inversely gap. Among all, with 2.5% nano-silica as additive better recovery. Simulation an increase gap resulted decreased field intensity, hence supporting experimental outcomes.