Fabrication of Hierarchical Patterned Surfaces Using a Functionalized CeO₂-EPDM Composite for Crevice Corrosion Prevention on High-Voltage Insulators

Abstract

Crevice corrosion accounts for 62% of the recorded breakdown of insulators utilized in transmission lines, which may interfere with the reliability of power utilities. To address these challenges, sustainable and resilient slippery lubricant-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) are developed on insulators to prevent electrochemically/biochemically induced crevice corrosion especially occurring in tropical and coastal environments. The conventional way of developing SLIPS by chemical and physical etching might interfere with the mechanical stability of insulators composed of pin (galvanized steel), cement, and shell (porcelain). The current study proposes a noble concept of developing hierarchical patterned textured surfaces on insulators to fabricate a resilient SLIPS coating without physical/chemical etching. The proposed coating exhibits 99% antiadhesion performance against a mixed culture of bacterial strains, superior hydrophobicity (contact angle: 160°, contact angle hysteresis: 4°), and crevice corrosion resistance performance at elevated temperatures (25–75 °C) and humidity. This study could facilitate a new route for the development of sustainable and highly reliable SLIPS coatings in the future.

Superhydrophobic Surface on Insulators by Using Perfluoropolyether-Functionalized Silica Nanostructures for Preventing Stress Corrosion Cracking at the Pin–Cement Junction

“…The approach for developing an etch-free coating using PFPE-infused porous FAS-functionalized SiO 2 nanocomposite on insulator surfaces has been investigated. It involves forming a barrier film across the entire surface, including any pores or fissures on insulators, making them more susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. , The functionalized silica nanocomposite’s porous micro–nano surface hierarchy may store the infused PFPE lubricating film within the structure via high capillary force to ensure the longer lifespan of the insulator. SEM–EDS indicate the presence of fluro alkyl silane chains and SiO 2 nanoparticles on the surface.…”