Synergistic Enhancement of Hydrophobicity and Electrical Strength of Composite Silicone Rubber Insulators by Fluorination

As a crucial component of power distribution networks, the insulation performance of needle type composite silicone rubber insulators is intrinsically tied to the safe and stable operation of power grids. This study systematically investigates the mechanism and engineering applicability of fluorination modification on the external surface of needle insulator silicone rubber through multi-scale molecular simulations and high voltage experiments. The results indicate that fluorination treatment significantly enhances the mechanical properties, hydrophobicity and electrical properties of silicone rubber, reduces the total system energy, and increases the dipole moment, thereby optimizing charge transport characteristics and effectively inhibiting charge accumulation. The experimental results demonstrate that the fluorinated needle insulator exhibits superior hydrophobic properties and achieves a higher flashover voltage in the DC flashover test, which is 7.2% higher than that of the untreated insulator. This enhancement markedly improves its weather resistance and insulation performance, thereby providing a more reliable assurance for practical applications. Furthermore, moderate fluorination not only boosts the mechanical properties of the materials but also extends the service life of the insulators, ensuring the safe and stable operation of power grids. Consequently, fluorination as a surface modification method provides robust theoretical support and an engineering application foundation for enhancing the overall performance of electrical equipment.