The Effects of Aluminum-Nitride Nano-Fillers on the Mechanical, Electrical, and Thermal Properties of High Temperature Vulcanized Silicon Rubber for High-Voltage Outdoor Insulator Applications

Abstract

AlN nanoparticles were added into commercial high-temperature-vulcanized silicon rubber composites, which were designed for high-voltage outdoor insulator applications. The composites were systematically studied with respect to their mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. The thermal conductivity was found to increase greatly (>100%) even at low fractions of the AlN fillers. The electrical breakdown strength of the composites was not considerably affected by the AlN filler, while the dielectric constants and dielectric loss were found to be increased with AlN filler ratios. At higher doping levels above 5 wt% (~2.5 vol%), electrical tracking performance was improved. The AlN filler increased the tensile strength as well as the hardness of the composites, and decreased their flexibility. The hydrophobic properties of the composites were also studied through the measurements of temperature-dependent contact angle. It was shown that at a doping level of 1 wt%, a maximum contact angle was observed around 108°. Theoretical models were used to explain and understand the measurement results. Our results show that the AlN nanofillers are helpful in improving the overall performances of silicon rubber composite insulators.