Investigation of SiO2/ATH/TiO2 Micro-nanofillers to Improve Performance of Silicone Rubber toward UV Radiation and Partial Discharge on High Voltage Outdoor Insulators

This paper discusses the characteristics of polymer insulator matrix from RTV683 composites with micro-nanofillers to improve the performance of polymer insulators. Research is expected to obtain a new polymer insulator matrix with the best filler composition that is effectively applied to high-voltage outdoor insulators in tropical climates. Investigations were conducted to develop new materials that can improve hydrophobic performance by reducing partial discharge and increasing the UV resistance of silicone rubber insulators. The method used was to choose the material with the best performance and then combine it to overcome the obstacles of applying polymer insulators as outdoor high-voltage insulators. Furthermore, developing a manufacturing method for making a polymer insulator matrix using RTV683 silicone rubber with SiO
2
, ATH, and TiO
2
micro-nanofillers. Insulator matrix fabrication using mixers under vacuum conditions for filler dispersion and elimination ofvoids in polymer insulator matrix. Testing and analysis of polymer insulator matrix characteristics including physical, electrical, and chemical tests according to IEC standards include hydrophobic transfer, water diffusion, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), partial discharge (PD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the RTV683 polymer insulator matrix with a combination of SiO
2
, ATH, and TiO
2
micro-nanofillers has the potential to improve the performance of high-voltage polymer insulators.