Dynamic behavior of water droplets and flashover characteristics on a superhydrophobic silicone rubber surface

Abstract

In this paper, a superhydrophobic surface is used to increase the flashover voltage when water droplets are present on a silicone rubber surface. The dynamic behavior of a water droplet and the associated flashover characteristics are studied on common and superhydrophobic silicone rubber surfaces under a high DC voltage. On common silicone rubber, the droplet elongates and the flashover voltage decreases with increasing droplet volume and conductivity. In contrast, the droplet slides off the superhydrophobic surface, leading to an increased flashover voltage. This droplet sliding is due to the low adhesion of the superhydrophobic surface and a sufficiently high electrostatic force provided by the DC voltage. Experimental results show that a superhydrophobic surface is effective at inhibiting flashover.

Effect of superhydrophobicity on surface damage of silicone rubber under AC voltage

“…Further details of the preparation method are reported elsewhere. 20 The electrode system used in the experiments is shown in Fig. 1.…”

“…However, for the superhydrophobic samples, a Cassie state formed on the surface due to the hierarchical micro-structures of the superhydrophobic surface. 20 Therefore, the superhydrophobic surface had low adhesion and it was very easy for a water droplet to leave the sample under the effect of the electric field. 20 Arc discharge induced by the droplet thus did not occur (Fig.…”

“…20 Therefore, the superhydrophobic surface had low adhesion and it was very easy for a water droplet to leave the sample under the effect of the electric field. 20 Arc discharge induced by the droplet thus did not occur (Fig. 6).…”

“…19 Droplets can easily slide and leave the superhydrophobic surface under the effects of an electric field. 20,21 Apparently, if we could introduce superhydrophobic surface into electrical engineering, the idea mentioned above could be realized. However, few researchers focus on this way to deter surface damages.…”

Superhydrophobic Coatings for Improved Performance of Electrical Insulators

“…Therefore, fabrication of insulators that minimize the interaction with water is paramount. A few prior reports have attempted to minimize the interaction of electrical insulators with water using superhydrophobic coatings (i.e., coatings that are extremely repellent to water) . Superhydrophobic coatings allow water droplets to easily roll off from the surface, thereby preventing the accumulation of water .…”