Optimization of ATH Content in Corona Exposed Silicone Rubber Nanocomposites

The study focusses on determining the optimal concentration of ATH nanofiller to maximize the resistance of room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber nanocomposites when exposed to corona discharges. Silicone rubber nanocomposites doped with varying filler weight percentage (1%, 3%, 7% and 10 wt. %) of ATH nanofiller was synthesised and tested. Flashover voltage and erosion analysis post water droplet-initiated corona discharges was assessed using IEC 60112 test electrode arrangement and experimental procedure. Hardness of all the test specimens was evaluated using Shore A durometer. Further, the hydrophobicity and its recovery characteristics of all the test specimens post corona ageing was accessed through contact angle measurements. The experimental investigations indicated that that the silicone rubber with 7 wt.% ATH nanofiller content showed optimum performance content exhibited optimum performance across all conducted tests. These findings will contribute to the improved application of ATH nanofiller-doped RTV silicone rubber coatings on ceramic insulators for more reliable performance in harsh outdoor environments.