Open AccessAccelerated ultraviolet weathering investigation on micro‐/nano‐SiO 2 filled silicone rubber composites
Author(s) -
Nazir Muhammad Tariq,
Phung Bao Toan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
high voltage
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.732
H-Index - 20
ISSN - 2397-7264
DOI - 10.1049/hve.2018.5004
Subject(s) - materials science , composite material , scanning electron microscope , silicone rubber , absorbance , ultraviolet , surface roughness , silane , silicone , polydimethylsiloxane , nano , dielectric , chemistry , optoelectronics , chromatography
This study attempts to elucidate whether the addition of micro and/or nano‐silica (SiO 2 ) particles can enhance the resistance of pure polydimethylsiloxane against synergistic effects of UV, temperature and high‐voltage stress. Four types of composites (U‐SR, M‐SR, MN‐SR and N‐SR) are fabricated by adding micro and/or nano‐silica particles and then subjected to multi‐stress degradation in a test chamber. Results show that there is an apparent surface discoloration in the form of yellowish pale tint and a significant resistance to hydrophobicity reduction is offered by N‐SR and MN‐SR followed by M‐SR and U‐SR. Scanning electron microscopy and surface roughness findings proclaimed that N‐SR and MN‐SR offer excellent resistance against filler exposure and an increase in surface roughness. There is a minor reduction in absorbance level of Si (CH 3 ) 2 and Si–O–Si functional groups of composites but interestingly, hydrophilic hydroxyl group absorbance level is found higher in the U‐SR comparatively. Furthermore, dielectric response measurements indicate considerable sensitivity to weathering with N‐SR and MN‐SR giving the lowest dielectric loss. Results indicate that the addition of nano‐silica to pure and micro‐silica filled SR can enhance its UV weathering resistance considerably by building an effective UV shielding layer.