Influence of electric field on the moisture absorption characteristic of silicone rubber material

In recent years, some researchers have suggested that moisture play an important role in the abnormal temperature rise of the composite insulator, and electric field may affect the process of moisture invading into the composite insulator. This paper carried out the research to test the influence of electric field on the moisture absorption characteristic of silicone rubber material, and measured the moisture absorption characteristic of the silicone rubber material under DC and AC electric fields. The results prove that the moisture absorption characteristic of silicone rubber material is in accordance with the Langmuir Law under DC and AC electric fields. And the weight gain speed of the material changes from fast to slow until the materials get saturated. No significant change is observed in the weight gain rate and weight change trend of silicone rubber material under AC electric field. While under DC electric field, the weight gain rate of silicone rubber and core material was lower. DC electric field has passive influence on the moisture absorption characteristic of silicone rubber material.