Simulation and characterization of Co3O4/carbon nanotube-filled PVC nanocomposites for medium-voltage cable applications.

This study investigates the simulation of electric field distribution and the characterization of Co3O4/carbon nanotube (CNT)-filled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposites for potential applications in medium-voltage cables. The nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating Co3O4 nanoparticles and varying concentrations of CNTs (0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25% by weight) into a PVC matrix. The UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed an absorption edge of 3.75 eV, a direct bandgap of 5.15 eV, an Urbach tail energy of 0.4594 eV, and a carbon cluster parameter of 44.617 for the PVC/Co3O4 + 0.25% CNT nanocomposite film. Incorporating CNTs enhanced the AC conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss compared to the pure Co3O4 sample. The highest AC conductivity (7.46 × 10–4 S/m) was achieved for the PVC/Co3O4 + 0.25% CNT nanocomposite. COMSOL Multiphysics simulations were performed to study the electric field distribution in medium-voltage cables made of PVC and PVC/Co3O4 + 0.25% CNT nanocomposites. The simulations revealed a more uniform electric field distribution in the nanocomposite cable than the pure PVC cable, owing to Co3O4 nanoparticles and CNTs. The novelty of this study is improved uniformity in the electric field distribution for medium-voltage cable applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]