Study on the Effect of Cleaning and Swelling Action of Cleaning and Repairing Agents on the Properties of Silicone Rubber

Abstract

Silicone rubber composite materials are prone to fouling under outdoor conditions for a long time, leading to a decrease in hydrophobicity and even the occurrence of pollution flashover. Generally, the silicone rubber surface is cleaned and repaired with cleaning and repair agents, which can quickly restore its hydrophobicity to the factory state and even reach HC1. Under the action of cleaning and repairing agents, silicone rubber will undergo a certain swelling effect. This article conducts in-depth research on the impact of the cleaning and swelling effect of cleaning and repairing agents on the performance of silicone rubber. Research has found that this cleaning and repairing agent can significantly improve the surface hydrophobicity of silicone rubber. When silicone rubber is immersed in the cleaning and repairing agent for up to 10 hours, its surface undergoes swelling equilibrium, where the evaporation volume and swelling index remain unchanged. Through testing its mechanical properties, it was found that its tear resistance and fracture performance have been improved to a certain extent, with growth rates of 23.36% and 2.55%, respectively; Through electrical performance testing, it was found that its volume resistivity and dielectric strength were both improved to a certain extent, with volume resistivity and dielectric strength increased by 16.5% and 14.3%, respectively. Moreover, after reaching swelling equilibrium in the cleaning and repairing agent, the hydrophobicity of silicone rubber did not decrease, and it can still maintain HC1 for a long time, exhibiting good hydrophobicity.