Impact of Electro-UV Aging on the Insulation Performance of PVC/ZnO Nanocomposites for Outdoor Applications

Polymers are prone to degradation when exposed to UV radiation and electrical stress in operational environments. This study examines the performance of PVC nanocomposites reinforced with ZnO nanoparticles at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt% under combined Electro-UV aging conditions. The nanocomposites were prepared through melt mixing and compression molding into 1.5 mm thick circular samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the uniform dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles within the PVC matrix, which significantly influenced the structural, thermal, and electrical properties of the composites. Additional tests, including hydrophobicity, contact angle, leakage current, and temperature- and frequency-dependent analyses, were conducted during 450 hours of UV exposure at 5.11 mW/cm2, with measurements taken every 150 hours. The results showed that ZnO-reinforced PVC nanocomposites demonstrated enhanced resistance to UV-induced degradation, reduced surface deterioration, and controlled leakage current compared to unmodified PVC. The superior performance of the composites is attributed to the increased structural integrity and surface energy provided by the ZnO nanoparticles, making them suitable for applications in demanding outdoor environments.