Improving the Erosion Resistance of Electrical Insulating Materials Using Nano Fillers.

The paper presents the experimental results obtained to test the effect of nano-fillers on the aging performance of silicone rubber for outdoor applications and enamelled wire for motor insulation. The erosion resistance of silicone rubber (SIR) filled with 12 nm size fumed silica is compared to those filled with 5 μm size silica filler using the ASTM 2303 Inclined Plane Tracking and Erosion Test. The erosion resistance of the SIR materials increased with increasing percentage of the fillers, and it was observed that 10% by weight of nano-filled SIR gives a performance that is similar to that obtained with 50% by weight of micro-filled SIR. The paper discusses the possible reasons for the improvement in the erosion resistance of nano-filled silicone composites using different material analysis techniques like Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Also, the effect of using different nano fillers like alumina, fumed silica and titanium oxide on the erosion resistance of enamel wire insulating material subjected to different electrical stresses will be addresses. Surface roughness is used to evaluate the effect of different nano-fillers on the erosion resistance of enamel wire insulation. © 2007 American Institute of Physics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]