Polymer Hybrid Nanocomposites Based on Homo and Copolymer Xlpe Containing Mineral Nanofillers with Improved Functional Properties Intended for Insulation of Submarine Cables

Abstract

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is one of the most popular insulation materials used in the production of medium and high voltage cables (MV, HV). This article presents the results of research carried out on two types of commercially used insulation materials, modified with the addition of organophilic phyllosilicate (CLOISITE C20A)and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The influence of fillers on the mechanical properties of insulating materials is discussed as a potential mechanism for increasing their resistance to the phenomenon of water-tree. SEM and XRD analyses were performed to investigate the morphology and DSC for comparing phase transitions. Mechanical and functional properties for different concentrations of nanofillers, such as their hybrids, were also investigated.

Dielectric, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Crosslinked Polyethylene Nanocomposite with Hybrid Nanofillers

“…However, after analysing the value of the Xc, it can be seen that the incorporation of LDH-Al 2 O 3 to XLPE caused the Xc to increase. It was also that with the addition of LDH-Al 2 O 3 content, an explicit decrease in the Xc was observed but still higher than the unfilled XLPE [ 3 ].…”

“…As the XLPE material is subjected to the degradation process caused by high voltage current, it is also exposed to mechanical damage that would occur during installation or operation. Furthermore, the stress and continuous bending of insulating materials would initiate defects and reduce polymeric materials’ durability [ 3 ]. Therefore, in addition to dielectric properties, the mechanical and thermal properties of XLPE materials need to be studied to increase its service life by adding nanofiller into XLPE.…”

“…The introduction of a hybrid nanofiller can achieve a robust interfacial bonding compared to a single filler system that is attributed to synergistic effect [ 5 ], and this process enhanced the mechanical behaviour of the XLPE nanocomposites [ 6 ] in addition to dielectric and thermal properties [ 7 ]. The properties of hybrid nanocomposite improved in dielectric properties and thermal conductivity in addition to promoting mechanical properties on Young’s modulus and tensile strength [ 3 , 8 , 9 , 10 ] and showed remarkable performance with a homogeneous distribution of hybrid nanofiller obtained at low nanofiller loading with a maximum of 1 wt.% [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. These successful studies proved that a combination of two different background characteristics achieve synergistic effect towards the nanocomposite with high compatibility achieved between matrix–nanofiller and interfiller.…”

“…The hybrid system often exhibits excellent properties, which typically cannot be found in nature because of the unique characteristics of individual nanofillers compared to single nanofillers. Resner et al [ 3 ] studied nanoplatelets–nanotube, whereas Mansor et al [ 23 ] explored spherical–spherical of XLPE nanocomposite that focused on the water treeing phenomenon. Meanwhile, Jose and Thomas [ 22 ] researched nanoplatelets–spherical by investigating its mechanical and thermal properties.…”

Crosslinked Polyethylene-based Nanocomposites containing Hybrid Layered Double Hydroxide/Aluminium Oxide: Partial Discharge and AC Breakdown Strength Characteristics

“…Since the 1960s, the polymer matrix that has been used frequently as an insulating material for power cables is crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) because of its excellent dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties [23]. Thus, XLPE has been chosen in this study because of its application.…”