Volume Resistivity Values Research Articles

Piezoresistivity and strain-sensing behaviour of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites.

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at different concentrations, ranging from 0.5 to 10 wt%, as a conductive filler, were incorporated into poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a flexible biodegradable copolyester, via melt-mixing, followed by compression moulding. The electrical conductivity of the prepared nanocomposites was evaluated by considering their volume resistivity value. The volume resistivity values of the nanocomposites suggested a quite low percolation threshold between the MWCNT concentration of 0.5 and 1 wt%. The corresponding volume resistivity values of the nanocomposites in the range of (6.90 ± 3.16) × 105 Ω cm to (1.24 ± 0.41) × 101 Ω cm implied their suitability for strain-sensing applications. The change in the electrical resistance of the nanocomposites was measured simultaneously with tensile testing to evaluate their piezoresistivity. The deformation behaviour of the nanocomposites was correlated with relative resistance change (ΔR/R 0) via a cyclic-strain test to investigate the stability of their strain-sensing behaviour. A non-linear and exponential-like increment in the ΔR/R 0 values of the nanocomposites as a function of mechanical strain during tensile stretching confirmed their piezoresistivity. ΔR/R 0 values fitted well with an increase in applied mechanical strain from 2% to 8% during the cyclic-strain test, which revealed the low-strain sensing potential of the nanocomposites, provided by their stable and intact microstructure formed via continuous stretching and releasing during the test; this was further supported by the reproducibility of the ΔR/R 0 values in the cyclic-strain test with 7% applied strain in 15 cycles. Additionally, the uniformly extended net-like morphology of the nanocomposites with an entangled network of MWCNTs throughout the polymer matrix was revealed by their electron micrographs.

Creep in 0.91(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3-0.06BaTiO3-0.03K0.5Na0.5NbO3 lead-free piezoceramic under constant electric field loads

This work explores the creep behavior of polycrystalline 0.91(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3-0.06BaTiO3-0.03K0.5Na0.5NbO3 under constant electric fields. It reveals intriguing time-dependent variations in both polarization and strain response, which can be attributed to a transformation from the relaxor state to a long-range ferroelectric order. Meanwhile, bulk volume resistivity values are obtained to eliminate the influence of leakage current on the polarization assessment. The findings provide valuable insights into the creep behavior of lead-free relaxor ferroelectrics, laying a solid foundation for enhancing the performance and reliability of piezoactuators.

Development of modified h-BN/UPE resin for insulation varnish applications

Abstract The objective of this study is to explore the impact of a nanofiller, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), on the main physical, electrical, and thermal characteristics of unsaturated polyester (UPE) resin. To obtain a homogeneous dispersion, h-BN nanoparticles were surface-modified using 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane to give S/h-BN nanoparticles. UPE-S/h-BN composites were prepared by using various ratios (1, 5, 10 wt%) of these modified nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analysis studies showed that the presence of S/h-BN nanoparticles boosted the thermal stability of the UPE resin. The electrical volume resistivity value increased from 1.3 × 1013 to 1.38 × 1014 Ω cm with the addition of 10 wt% S/h-BN. The contact angle results indicated that the hydrophobicity of UPE-S/h-BN composites increased and the value of 110° was obtained for UPE-S/h-BN10. The findings revealed that incorporating S/h-BN nanoparticles into UPE resin, in specific ratios, improved its properties and the resulting product has the potential to be used as an insulation varnish.

DC sputtered iron-doped indium saving indium tin oxide thin films using Fe3O4 target

In the present work, the properties of iron-doped indium tin oxide (ITO) films with reduced to 50 mass% indium oxide (In2O3) content prepared by co-sputtering of ITO and Fe3O4 targets in the mixed argon-oxygen atmosphere were studied by various methods such as four-point probe method, Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and dynamic force microscopy. The influence of different working gas flow rates and heat treatment temperatures on the electrical, optical, structural, and morphological properties of the films was characterized. Iron doping resulted in increasing optical transmittance of ITO thin films. It has been found that films sputtered onto preheated substrites under optimum conditions showed values of volume resistivity 1480 µΩcm that is much lower than that of ITO50:Fe3O4 films sputtered onto unheated substrates and average optical transmittance in the visible range over 85%. It has been revealed that iron-doped ITO thin films deposited under optimum conditions have low root mean square height (S q) 0.67 nm and arithmetical mean height (S a) 0.52 nm.

Chemical and Mechanical Characterization of Unprecedented Transparent Epoxy–Nanomica Composites—New Model Insights for Mechanical Properties

Two nanomicas of similar composition, containing muscovite and quartz, but with different particle size distributions, have been used to prepare transparent epoxy nanocomposites. Their homogeneous dispersion, due to the nano-size, was achieved even without being organically modified, and no aggregation of the nanoparticles was observed, thus maximizing the specific interface between matrix and nanofiller. No exfoliation or intercalation has been observed by XRD, despite the significant dispersion of the filler in the matrix which produced nanocomposites with a loss in transparency in the visible domain of less than 10% in the presence of 1% wt and 3% wt of mica fillers. The presence of micas does not affect the thermal behavior of the nanocomposites, which remains similar to that of the neat epoxy resin. The mechanical characterization of the epoxy resin composites revealed an increased Young's modulus, whereas tensile strength was reduced. A peridynamics-based representative volume element approach has been implemented to estimate the effective Young's modulus of the nanomodified materials. The results obtained through this homogenization procedure have been used as input for the analysis of the nanocomposite fracture toughness, which has been carried out by a classical continuum mechanics-peridynamics coupling approach. Comparison with the experimental data confirms the capability of the peridynamics-based strategies to properly model the effective Young's modulus and fracture toughness of epoxy-resin nanocomposites. Finally, the new mica-based composites exhibit high values of volume resistivity, thus being excellent candidates as insulating materials.

Industrial cutting waste granite dust reinforced cardanol benzoxazine/epoxy resin hybrid composites for high‐voltage electrical insulation applications

AbstractAn attempt has been made to develop hybrid composites from benzoxazine monomer (C‐ddm) hybridized with DGEBA epoxy resin (EP) and reinforced with varying weight percentages (20 wt%, 40 wt%, 60 wt%, 80 wt% and 100 wt%) of glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy‐ silane (GPTMS) functionalized granite dust (GD) obtained from industrial granite cutting and polishing process in order to utilize them for electrical insulation applications. The thermal stability of granite dust reinforced poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm) composites was studied by TGA analysis. Among the composites samples studied, 100 wt% GD reinforced poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm) composites possess better thermal stability than that of other neat matrices and composites. Among the composites prepared using varying weight percentages of functionalized GD reinforcement, it was observed that 80 wt% GD reinforced poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm) composites possesses better hydrophobic character than that of other neat matrices and composites. The value of LOI calculated for neat matrix (poly[EP‐co‐C‐ddm]) and 20 wt%, 40 wt%, 60 wt%, 80 wt% and 100 wt% GD reinforced composites was found to be 22, 28, 34, 40, 43 and 45 respectively. The 80 wt% GD reinforced poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm) composites possess the higher values of tensile strength and flexural strength of 47 MPa and 140 MPa, respectively than those of their samples. The values of electrical surface resistivity and electrical volume resistivity of all the neat matrices and GD reinforced polybenzoxazine composites were found to be in the order of 1012 and 1013 respectively. The values of dielectric strength obtained from break down voltage (BDV) for neat matrix [poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm)] and 20 wt%, 40 wt%, 60 wt%, 80 wt% and 100 wt% of GD reinforced poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm) composites are 15.0, 15.5, 16.5, 17.0, 17.0 and 17.0 kV/mm, respectively. Data obtained from thermal stability, hydrophobic behavior and dielectric studies it was inferred that the hybrid polymer composites developed in the present work can be conveniently used in the form insulators, sealants, adhesives and matrices where application demands at high‐performance industrial and engineering applications.

Influence of sputtering power on optical, electrical properties and structure of aluminum-doped indium saving indium-tin oxide thin films sputtered on preheated substrates

The indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film doped with aluminum oxide with reduced to 50 mass% indium oxide content were fabricated by co-sputtering of the ITO and Al2O3 targets. Thin films were deposited in mixed argon–oxygen atmosphere onto glass substrates preheated at 523 K. The dependence of the electrical, optical and structural properties of the films on radio frequency (RF) power of the Al2O3 target was investigated. The obtained thin films were characterized by means of four-point probe, Ultraviolet-Visible-Infrared (UV–Vis-IR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Doping of the ITO thin films by Al2O3 resulted in increasing transmittance of films. It has been found that the film sputtered under optimum condition showed values of volume resistivity 713 µΩcm, electron mobility 30.8 cm2V−1s−1 and carrier density 2.87 × 1020 cm−3.

A new generation of cable grade poly(vinyl chloride) containing heavy metal free modifier

Many additives are used to improve the performance of cables in terms of increasing their flame retardancy, thermal stability, thermal conductivity, and other characteristics. Unfortunately, most of these additives contain heavy metals. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to introduce a material representing a new generation of environmentally friendly heavy metal-free stabilizers for cable grade poly(vinyl chloride) that can compete with traditional materials in terms of performance and distinctive properties. This unique additive is Oxydtron, a synthetic silicate or simply nanocement. The tests performed are rheological properties represented by a capillary rheometry analysis, limiting oxygen index, and volume resistivity. The most significant improvement in Bagley correction measurements was 14.61%; 18.13%; and 27.20% more than poly(vinyl chloride) basic formulation when using 5wt.% Oxydtron at 160 °C, 170 °C, and 180 °C, respectively. Also, the mean increases in relaxation time were 3.200 times, 8.825 times, and 12.458 times more than poly(vinyl chloride) basic formulation with 1wt.%, 3wt.%, and 5wt.% of Oxydtron, respectively. Furthermore, the Oxydtron lowered the value of the accompanying thermal gradient of the L.O.I test, reducing the heat-affected zone. The best result was with the extrusion processing method due to the uniformity of the processing conditions. However, the thermal gradient analysis showed residual heat stress in the test samples after cutting the burning layer and re-testing the samples again; this causes them to burn faster. This situation requires caution for designs that are exposed to high temperatures without burning. The optimum improvement in volume resistivity value was 14.71% and 38.24% more than poly(vinyl chloride) basic formulation after adding 5wt.% and 7wt.% of Oxydtron, respectively.

Spectroscopic, Mechanical and Electrical Studies on Surfactant Modified HTV-SiR/Nano Alumina Composites

Using an experimental approach, the effectiveness of nonionic surfactant, Triton™-X-100 in dispersing nano Alumina in high temperature vulcanized silicone rubber are studied in detail. Nanocomposites are prepared in varying concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.2, 1, and 5 phr levels by weight of the surfactant. Evidence to moderate dispersion of nano Alumina for composites at 0.01 phr and 0.05 phr weight loadings is gained from SEM pictures. Structural changes observed for the composites in FTIR spectra are examined and peaks identified. Thermogravimetric analysis shows some improvement in thermal resistance. However, an adverse effect on properties, such as volume resistivity, surface resistivity and dissipation factor are observed even at low surfactant loadings. A plausible role of surfactant as a plasticizer is explained with respect to the results of tensile strength. From this work, it can be inferred that surfactant at 0.01 phr may be taken as an optimum loading concentration for a desirable level of electrical properties, without compromising on insulation characteristics of volume resistivity and dissipation factor. Nonetheless, utmost caution needs to be exercised while employing Triton™-X-100 in compositions prepared for insulation applications because of inadequacies in values of volume resistivity, surface resistivity, dissipation factor and dry arc resistance even at low loadings.

A comparative study on the influences of whisker and conventional carbon nanotubes on the electrical and thermal conductivity of polyether ether ketone composites

AbstractIn this study, the electrical and thermal conductivity of polyether ether ketone (PEEK)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with different types, namely whisker CNTs (Wh‐CNTs) and conventional CNTs were compared. PEEK/CNTs composites were melt mixed in PEEK via two screw extrusion technology. Moreover, the effects of different methods for mixing of PEEK/Wh‐CNTs, namely, dry mixing, wet mixing and melt mixing, were compared. The electrical and thermal properties were analyzed. A high thermal conductivity value of about 0.741 W/(m K) could be obtained upon loading with 10 wt% Wh‐CNTs and the PEEK/Wh‐CNTs composites had low volume resistivity value of 10.96 Ω cm at 10 wt% loading via melt mixing. Thermal conductivity values of 1.066 W/(m K) (out‐of‐plane) and 1.50 W/(m K) (in‐plane) were achieved with 10 wt% loading by wet mixing. Experimental results of out‐of‐plane thermal conductivity were more consistent with the Nan model. PEEK/Wh‐CNTs composites prepared by wet mixing exhibited higher thermal conductivity than the composites mixed using the two other methods. As the content of Wh‐CNTs in wet mixed PEEK/Wh‐CNTs nanocomposites increased, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) was improved. The PEEK/Wh‐CNTs composites were 0.6 mm thick and showed an EMI SE of 21.5 dB.

Electrical properties of graphene filled UPVC nanocomposites for mining pipe application

Graphene-filled UPVC nanocomposites is expected to be a promising material for mining pipe application. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the electrical properties of UPVC filled with graphene derivatives: graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and pre-dispersed rGO (PDG) in Fischer Tropsch wax (FT wax). Pre-dispersed rGO in FT wax (PDG) are prepared by defining melting method with ultrasonic probe. Test specimens were prepared according to different material formulations by dry-blend mixing, followed by two-roll milling and hot press molding methods. PDG showed the lowest volume resistivity thus indicating highest electrical conductivity. It was found that the presence of PDG can greatly increase the electrical conductivity at lowest percolation value of 0.75phr. At 1.5phr, comparable volume resistivity value comparable to commercial mining pipe formulation based on carbon black (CB) was achieved. This study also confirmed that optimum electrical properties of graphene filled UPVC nanocomposites can be achieved by maximizing the dispersibility of graphene within the PVC matrix. This level of conductivity opens the door for the PDG filled UPVC nanocomposites for mining pipe application.

Temperature self-regulating flat electric heaters based on MWCNTs-modified polymers

This article describes a technique for the manufacturing of the composites MWCNTs-modified elastomers. The effect of the different MWCNTs mass contents in the elastomer on specific volume and surface electrical resistivity values was investigated. The results on the heaters based on the elastomers and altered with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) over various catalysts are discussed. It was found that with an increase in the MWCNTs mass content, the maximum power is achieved at a lower voltage value. Besides, temperature fields were measured on the surface of heater samples, and it was established that the temperature variation on the sample surface did not exceed 5 °C, and the heaters had a heating rate of 0.2–0.5 °C/s. Furthermore, a comparison of these heaters with the analogs previously reported by the other researchers is presented, indicating good importance of the reported work. The industrial (commercial) production of such devices is mainly associated with using in fan heaters for domestic purposes, in heaters built into clothes in underfloor heating systems and motor vehicles. The present work will find a good industrial application in the future.

Preparation and characterization of electro-active shape memory PCL/SEBS-g-MA/MWCNT nanocomposites

In this work, novel thermally responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) blends of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and maleic anhydride grafted polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SEBS-g-MA) blends and electro-active PCL/SEBS-g-MA/multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites with different compositions were prepared by melt blending technique. The effects of the PCL content (30-40-50%) on morphological, thermal, mechanical and shape memory properties were investigated. Based on SEM analysis, co-continuous morphology was observed in the blend having the weight ratio of 50:50 (50 PCL-50MA). The thermally triggered shape memory properties which were characterized by a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) showed that the 50 PCL-50MA exhibited the highest fixing (Rf 98.28%) and recovery ratios (Rr 87.97%) among the SMP blends. In the second part of the study, the 50 PCL-50MA blend nanocomposites were produced with different amounts of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and their thermal, mechanical, morphological, electrical and electro-active shape memory properties were investigated. The blend nanocomposite including 10 phr CNT indicated the lowest volume resistivity value (3.82 Ω cm). The same nanocomposite also showed elecro-active shape memory property generating Joule heat under 40 V voltage with the shortest recovery time (56 s). The nanocomposite also exhibited sensor behaviour when it was subjected to finger bending deformation.

Remote and efficient infrared induced self-healable stretchable substrate for wearable electronics

Flexible and wearable electronics as candidates for the next-generation electric devices have attracted wide attention and been actively investigated recently. A remote, fast and efficient self-healable stretchable polyurethane nanocomposite for the substrate of flexible wearable electronics is reported in this paper. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were embedded in a self-healing polyurethane based on disulfide bonds. The tensile strength at break of the composites was improved significantly from 1.01 MPa to 3.64 MPa when the content of CNTs was 5 wt%. The elongation at break decreased as the addition of CNTs, but still remained at the high level above 300%, indicating the composites had enough flexibility for stretchable wearable electronics. The damages of the composites could be healed by near-infrared (NIR) irradiation remotely and quickly due to the photothermal effect of CNTs. The healing efficiencies were over 80% after 1 min of NIR irradiation. The nanocomposites exhibited volume resistivity values in the range of 1.31 × 105 to 1.65 × 105 Ω cm as a result of the incorporation of CNTs which could meet the requirements for electrostatic charge dissipation (ESD) materials requiring conductivities in the range of 105 to 109 Ω cm. The conductivity of the broken electric circuit fabricated by silver paste drop-cast on the composite strip was completely recovered after 1 min of NIR irradiation. These results demonstrate that the nanocomposites in this work can be used as substrates of electrical devices, especially for flexible wearable electronics. The electrical devices can be healed by remote NIR irradiation quickly and precisely.

Evaluation of thermoplastic polyolefin materials for the hard shed of composite insulators

AbstractThis article explores the possibility of using polyolefin materials for composite insulator sheds. The transfer component (silicone oil or erucamide) is added into a polyolefin material to improve its hydrophobic properties. Results show that the silicone oil‐modified polyolefin material (polyolefin‐S) exhibited an obvious hydrophobicity transfer property. When the equivalent salt deposit density and nonsoluble deposit density are 0.1 and 0.5 mg/cm2, respectively, the static contact angle increases from 75° to 87° as the silicone oil transfer time increases from 24 to 96 hr. Meanwhile, polyolefin‐S exhibits high mechanical strength, hardness, volume resistivity, and surface resistivity values of 21.4 MPa, 62.6 HD, 1.7 × 1015 Ω m and 1.2 × 1016 Ω, respectively. Moreover, polyolefin‐S shows excellent tracking and erosion resistance of 4.5 kV level in the inclined plane test. The results verify that the polyolefin material is a promising candidate material for the hard shed of composite insulators.

In-Situ self-encapsulated flexible multi-layered poly (imide siloxane) copolymer film with resistance to atomic oxygen

Silvered polyimide films, synthesized by an in-situ self-assembly method, find many applications in the fields of electronics and aerospace materials. In this work, polyimide/siloxanes were introduced into silvered PI films by an in-situ self-assembly process, which were resistant to atomic oxygen. Their atomic oxygen (AO) resistance behaviors were studied, wherein the mass loss of 20% Si-poly(amide acid salt) PAAS film was 30 ug cm−2 after exposure to AO fluence of 1.33 × 1020 O (10.5 h) and 190 ug cm−2 even after 42 h. Additionally, the volume resistivity value of the flexible PI/Ag composite film was 9.9 Ω cm−1 after 260 cycles of bending. The peel strength of PI/Ag/PI composite film was seven times more than that of the coated one (0.7 N cm-1 to 0.1 N cm-1). Moreover, (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) DMA and (Thermogravimetric Analysis) TGA data also show that the introduction of self-encapsulating PAAS can not only increase the interlayer strength but maintain the performance of PI film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were also employed to test the relative AO resistance behaviors. Thus, the silvered poly(siloxane amic acid) Si-PI composite films have AO resistance, high peel strength and alternating conductivity/ insulative effect, and hence can serve as a flexible printed circuit board for potential applications in low earth orbit.

Effect of Temperature on Resistivity of CFRP Materials with Added Carbon Powder or Nano-silica

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the effect of temperature on resistivity of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) materials. A series of tests were conducted on three types of CFRP materials, namely pure CFRP material, CFRP with carbon powder (4% in weight) and CFRP with nano-silica (4% in weight). Test results showed that adding carbon powder into the epoxy resin decreases the initial electric resistance R0 and initial volume resistivity ρ0 while adding nano-silica increases R0 and ρ0 compared to pure CFRP material. Preheating cycle test results showed that the volume resistivity of all three types of specimens linearly increases with increasing temperature. CFRP with added nano-silica exhibits higher temperature sensitivity than CFRP with added carbon powder compared to the lowest temperature sensitivity for pure CFRP material. In addition, temperature cycle test results showed that CFRP specimens have approximately stable values of volume resistivity. Both CFRP specimens with added carbon powder or nano-silica exhibit a recognizable trend of first decrease and then increase in volume resistivity with increasing temperature both during heating and cooling cycles. CFRP with added carbon powder mainly shows Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) effect in the temperature range of −40 to 40°C and Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) effect from 40 to 80°C. CFRP with added nano-silica mainly exhibits PTC effect in the temperature domain of −15 to 80°C and NTC effect from −40 to −15°C. A mathematical-physical model with respect to the thermal effect was presented based on the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka (EMT) approach and mesomechanics method. The results obtained with the model agree well with the test results considering the temperature domain of PTC effect, which indicates that the proposed model is effective in characterizing the variation of fractional change in resistance (ΔR/R0) at varying temperature.

Comparative study of singlewalled, multiwalled, and branched carbon nanotubes melt mixed in different thermoplastic matrices

In this contribution, three different types of CNTs, namely single-walled (SWCNT), multi-walled (MWCNT) and branched MWCNTs were melt mixed in amounts of 0.1–10 wt.-% in polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) using a small-scale microcompounder. The filler dispersion of compression-moulded samples was characterized using light and electron microscopy, and the electrical and thermal properties were measured. The lowest electrical percolation thresholds were found for composites of PP/SWCNT, PP/branched MWCNT and PC/branched MWCNT, which percolated already at <0.1 wt.-% CNT loading. Low values of electrical volume resistivity of about 3 Ohm·cm (PVDF), 7 Ohm·cm (PP) and 2 Ohm·cm (PC) could be reached when loading with 2 wt.-% branched MWCNT. A homogeneous dispersion in the macro- and microlevel was observed especially for composites containing branched MWCNTs. For all CNT types, a matrix nucleation effect was found in PP and PVDF using differential scanning calorimetry.

Iron-doped indium saving indium-tin oxide (ITO) thin films sputtered on preheated substrates

Iron-doped indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films with reduced to 50 mass% indium oxide content were prepared by co-sputtering of ITO and Fe2O3 targets in mixed argon-oxygen atmosphere onto glass substrates preheated at 523 K. The influence of working gas flow rate and heat treatment temperature on the electrical, optical, structural, and morphological properties of the films was characterized by means of four point probe, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy methods. Doping of ITO films by iron using Fe2O3 target resulted in increasing transmittance of films. Iron-doping hindered the crystallization of the ITO thin films. It has been found from the electrical measurements that films sputtered under optimum conditions showed values of volume resistivity 992 μΩcm. It has been shown that iron-doped indium tin oxide films have smooth surface in contrast to conventional ITO.

Appropriateness of Water Hyacint and Rice Husk as Filler Materials for Resin Polymer Insulation

The use of natural fibers as a filler in the industry still continue to be developed, given its eco-friendly and contains material which is great. This research was conducted to find out the influence of boiled water and rice husk as filler material in epoxy resins. The making of the specimen using the method of hand lay-up with each variation of filler 10%-40% of the total weight of material test and the specimen without filler 0% for contrast. Polymer materials used i.e. epoxy resins. Testing is done namely pull-test, test volume resistivity and surface resistivity. Pull-test is performed using standard ASTM D-638 and resistivity test using standard ASTM D 257. The test results showed that the maximum volume resistivity values reached in the levels of water hyacinth 20% whereas on rice husk volume resistivity increase continues to occur until levels of 40% of the epoxy resins. Surface resistivity continues to increase in the levels of water hyacinth reaches 20% on epoxy resins as well as the addition of a filler rice husk. The tensile strength of the epoxy resins materials has decreased with the addition of water hyacinth and rice husk. The value of the maximum attainable tensile strength on the composition of the filler is 20%. With increasing levels of water hyacinth and rice husk in epoxy resins, the nature of the material brittle epoxy resins increase or an increase in the hardness of epoxy resin resulting in fragility.