Comparison of Degradation Phenomena on Silicone Rubbers Eroded by DC and AC Discharges

Abstract

The salt fog tests for silicone rubbers (SiR) were performed under DC or AC voltage application. During a test, intensive discharges occurred around an earth electrode when positive DC voltage was applied. In the case of negative DC voltage application, intensive discharges occurred around an electrode which the voltage was applied. In other words, the intensive discharge concentrated around a cathode electrode, which caused heavy erosion around the electrode. In contrast, for the case of AC voltage application, the intensive discharge and heavy erosion did not occur.