EFFECT OF NANOSILICA FILLER ON THE PROPERTIES OF RTV SILICONE RUBBER FOR OUTDOOR HIGH VOLTAGE INSULATOR COATING MATERIALS

• Main Author: Vega Zulfa, Della
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/85219
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The use of RTV silicone rubber as a coating material for high-voltage outdoor insulators has attracted significant attention due to its superior properties, such as weather resistance, good electrical properties, and thermal stability. The addition of nano-silica as a filler into RTV silicone rubber can enhance the mechanical and electrical properties of this material. The use of RTV silicone rubber as a coating for ceramic insulators has been widely implemented and proven to improve the performance of uncoated ceramic insulators. This study aims to examine the effect of nano-silica filler on various properties of RTV silicone rubber, focusing on its electrical properties, including the influence on relative permittivity, surface resistivity, surface hydrophobicity, and leakage current of outdoor insulators coated with silicone rubber containing nano-silica filler. The mixing of RTV silicone rubber and nano-silica filler will be conducted using a mixing method assisted by surfactants (chemical compounds), which help in the proper dispersion of nano-silica, ensuring an even distribution within the silicone rubber. The test samples will have varying concentrations, with the silicone rubber composite containing nano-silica filler in compositions of 0 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, and 2 wt%. These concentrations will be compared to determine the most optimal use of filler in RTV silicone rubber. The use of nano-silica filler is expected to enhance surface hydrophobicity and reduce leakage current in outdoor insulators, thus improving the electrical properties of outdoor insulators, especially those installed in extreme environments. The results of the study indicate that the RTV silicone rubber composite with nano-silica filler can increase surface hydrophobicity compared to the RTV silicone rubber composite alone. The most optimal composition for enhancing the performance of ceramic insulators was found to be 1 wt% nano-silica. The findings of this study provide an alternative for iv improving the performance of ceramic insulators and can serve as additional reference material for the use of nanoparticles as fillers in a matrix material.