Erosion resistant characteristics of ATH-filled silicone rubber exposed to dry band arc discharge

This paper describes the results of experiments made to examine the erosion resistant characteristics of ATH-filled silicone rubber exposed to dry band arc discharge. In this study, one simulated electrolyte electrode system was used to trigger the dry band arc discharge and the weight loss of filled silicone rubber specimens due to erosion in cases of different ATH filler level was investigated. In addition, surface chemical changes were examined by FT-IR. It is demonstrated that the erosion due to dry band arc discharge can be well suppressed by liberating the crystalline water in ATH and the depression effect of ATH filler on erosion can be improved with filler amount increasing.