Silicone Rubber MgO Nanocomposite for High Voltage Outdoor Insulation Application

Abstract

This paper deals with the experimental studies of the Electrical properties of silicone rubber filled with Magnesium Oxide (MgO) nanofillers at low filler concentration by weight (1% - 3%). The silicone rubber nanocomposite samples are prepared by mastication process. The structure and morphology studies of the composites are studied using X – Ray Diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The thermogravimetric analysis shows that the thermal stability of the silicone rubber is enhanced on addition of the nanofillers. The frequency dependence of the dielectric properties like ac conductivity, relative permittivity and loss tangent are studied. The ac dielectric strength, the arc resistance properties and the mechanical properties are also studied as a function of filler concentration. The results show that even at low filler concentrations, the nanocomposite demonstrates a remarkable enhancement in dielectric constant, arc resistance and mechanical strength which can be applied for many existing electrical systems.