Investigation of Kenaf Paper in the Presence of PVA for Transformers Application.

Muhammad Umair,Jasronita Jasni,Norhafiz Azis,Rasmina Halis

doi:10.3390/ma13215002

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation on the physio-mechanical properties and AC breakdown voltage of the Kenaf paper in the presence of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) for transformers application. Kenaf bast fibers were used in order to produce the paper through the soda pulping process. The pulps were subjected to beating up to 12,000 revolutions, whereby the PVA was added to the pulps at a different weight percentage concentration up to 12%. Morphological study was carried out on the Kenaf paper based on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The apparent density, Tensile Index (TI), Burst Index (BI), Tear Index (TeI), and AC breakdown voltage of the Kenaf paper were measured. It is found that the TI and BI of Kenaf paper can be slightly improved through the introduction of PVA. On other hand, the TeI of the Kenaf paper decreases with the increment of the PVA. The AC breakdown voltage of the Kenaf paper slightly increases with the increment of PVA weight percentage concentration.

Highlights

Wood based insulation papers have been used for decades as insulating materials in transformers, owing to its good physio-mechanical and electrical properties [1,2]
The beating process increases the flexibility of the fiber, bonding, and lead to denser fiber
The beating process increases the flexibility of the fiber, bonding and leads to denser fiber for the Kenaf paper

Summary

Introduction

Wood based insulation papers have been used for decades as insulating materials in transformers, owing to its good physio-mechanical and electrical properties [1,2]. Even though it is sustainable, it can be subjected to shortages under extreme deforestation [1,2,3]. Significant efforts have been carried out in order to explore the viability of non-wood fibers application as electrical insulation. Non-wood fibers have been used in the pulp and paper industries. Several non-wood plants have been used for papermaking, such as bamboo, Kenaf, baggase, jute, and cotton [4] The non-wood based papers are inferior to wood based papers, several treatments can improve its characteristics [3,4].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion