Nonlinear Conductivity and Space Charge Characteristics of SiC/Silicone Rubber Nanocomposites

To achieve a preferable compatibility between liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and cable main insulation in a cable accessory, we developed SiC/LSR nanocomposites with a significantly higher conductivity nonlinearity than pure LSR, whilst representing a notable improvement in space charge characteristics. Space charge distributions in polarization/depolarization processes and surface potentials of SiC/LSR composites are analyzed to elucidate the percolation conductance and charge trapping mechanisms accounting for nonlinear conductivity and space charge suppression. It is verified that SiC/LSR composites with SiC content higher than 10 wt% represent an evident nonlinearity of electric conductivity as a function of the electric field strength. Space charge accumulations can be inhibited by filling SiC nanoparticles into LSR, as illustrated in both dielectric polarization and depolarization processes. Energy level and density of shallow traps increase significantly with SiC content, which accounts for expediting carrier hopping transport and surface charge decay. Finite-element multiphysics simulations demonstrate that nonlinear conductivity acquired by 20 wt% SiC/LSR nanocomposite could efficiently homogenize an electric field distributed in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable joints. Nonlinear conductivities and space charge characteristics of SiC/LSR composites discussed in this paper suggest a feasible modification strategy to improve insulation performances of direct current (DC) cable accessories.