Effects of Ion Beam Treatment on DC Flashover Characteristics of Epoxy

The effect of ion beam treatment on surface flashover characteristics of epoxy is evaluated and explored. Epoxy samples are prepared and ion beam treatment is carried out for 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-min durations using an end-Hall ion source. Flashover test of both pristine and treated samples is conducted at negative dc voltage in air. The results indicate the effectiveness of ion beam treatment to enhance the flashover properties of epoxy. The flashover voltage of the epoxy resin increased to 21.35% after ion beam treatment for a duration of 20 min. Optical microscopic images, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveal the change in physicochemical characteristics of epoxy resin after treatment. The obtained surface potential from the surface potential decay (SPD) test shows a faster decay rate of surface charges for treated samples than the pristine epoxy. Moreover, from the trap distribution characteristics, it is found that ion beam treatment reduces the surface trap depth, which increases the surface conductivity of the epoxy insulator and helps to promote the charge migration and transport along the insulator surface.