Polymeric composites and hybrids for high-voltage insulators

In the past few years, considerable focus has been directed toward the employment of appropriate coatings with the intention of mitigating imperfections brought about by various factors including UV radiation, humidity, and particulate matter within the insulation framework. Employing an appropriate polymer coating to preserve the characteristics of insulating materials can prove to be an effective remedy within this domain. Polymer composites have emerged as viable substitutes for ceramic insulation, owing to their distinctive characteristics such as lightweight composition, hydrophobic surface properties, thermal and dielectric attributes, as well as superior resistance to vandalism. Typically, polymer insulation comprises two primary components: the insulating core, commonly composed of materials like fiber or epoxy, and the secondary part, which incorporates elastomeric substances such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The use of silicone contributes to the prolonged retention of surface properties, primarily due to the chemical stability inherent in the polymer chains. Silicone-based insulators, characterized by their low surface energy and resulting hydrophobic surface, prove to be more suitable in wet conditions. However, these materials are susceptible to degradation from environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. An inherent challenge with composite insulators lies in their aging process. Various strategies are employed to enhance polymer properties, involving mixing, composition adjustments, and the incorporation of diverse additives to improve specific material characteristics. This discussion outlines factors influencing insulator efficiency and explores various methods for enhancing the performance of polymer insulators, with a focus on hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces.