Improved PVC/ZnO Nanocomposite Insulation for High Voltage and High Temperature Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanosized inorganic oxides can enhance the properties of solid polymer insulation.
• Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) is a widely used polymer, but its properties can be further improved for demanding applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the characteristics of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) modified with varying concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles.
• To investigate the impact of ZnO nanoparticles on the electrical, optical, thermal, dielectric, and hydrophobic properties of PVC.
• To assess the structural stability of the modified PVC under hydrothermal aging.

Main Methods:

• ZnO nanoparticles were dispersed in a PVC matrix using an internal mixer and compression molded.
• Characterization techniques included Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Optical Microscopy (OM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
• Hydrophobicity was assessed via contact angle measurements and the Swedish Transmission Research Institute (STRI) classification, while hydrothermal aging was performed for 1000 hours.

Main Results:

• ZnO incorporation improved thermal properties, with melting temperature (Tm) increasing from 172°C to 215°C, and optical band gap energy decreasing from 4.04 eV to 2.57 eV.
• Hydrophobicity decreased with increasing filler content, with contact angles reaching 86° and STRI class HC3 observed for PZ4.
• Structural stability was analyzed post-hydrothermal aging.

Conclusions:

• PVC/ZnO nano-composites exhibit enhanced thermal and optical properties compared to pure PVC.
• The addition of ZnO nanoparticles alters the hydrophobic behavior and dielectric properties of PVC.
• The nano-composites demonstrate potential for improved solid polymer insulation applications, with stability assessed after aging.