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The Improved DC Breakdown Strength Induced by Enhanced Interaction between SiO2 Nanoparticles and LLDPE Matrix
Yaqing Lu1, Yuyao Liu1, Yujie Tong1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 14, 2023
Summary
Grafting silica nanoparticles onto polyethylene improves insulation properties for direct current (DC) power transmission. This enhanced interaction boosts DC breakdown strength in nanocomposites, crucial for renewable energy integration.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Direct current (DC) power transmission is vital for integrating renewable energy and reducing transmission losses.
- Nanoparticles (NPs) can enhance polymer insulation, but poor interaction limits their effectiveness.
- Improving NP-polymer interaction is key to realizing enhanced insulation properties for engineering applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the interaction between silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) and a polymer matrix using a grafting strategy.
- To develop novel nanocomposites with improved insulation properties for DC power transmission applications.
- To investigate the effect of grafting on the dispersion and interfacial adhesion of NPs within the polymer.
Main Methods:
- Silica NPs were modified with 3-(methacrylyloxy) propyl-trimethoxysilane (MPS) to introduce active groups.
- Pre-irradiated linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) was grafted onto MPS-modified SiO2-NPs (MPS-SiO2-NPs) via melt blending.
- Characterization using FT-IR, XPS, TEM, and rheology was performed to confirm successful grafting, dispersion, and interaction.
- DC breakdown strength of the resulting LLDPE-g-MPS-SiO2-NPs nanocomposites was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Successful grafting of MPS onto SiO2-NPs and subsequent grafting of LLDPE were confirmed by FT-IR and XPS.
- TEM showed a more uniform distribution of modified NPs within the LLDPE matrix.
- Rheology indicated significantly improved interaction between MPS-SiO2-NPs and LLDPE.
- The nanocomposites exhibited superior DC breakdown strength compared to conventionally modified materials, reaching 525 kV/mm at 30°C and 372 kV/mm at 70°C with 0.1 wt% NP addition.
Conclusions:
- The grafting strategy effectively enhances the interfacial interaction between NPs and the polymer matrix.
- The developed LLDPE-g-MPS-SiO2-NPs nanocomposites demonstrate significantly improved DC breakdown strength.
- These findings offer a promising approach for developing advanced insulating materials for high-voltage DC power transmission systems.
