Improving the tracking and erosion resistance of silicone rubber using Fe2O3 and platinum catalyst

Abstract In typical HTV silicone rubber for composite insulators subjected to a 4.5 kV inclined plane (IP) test, alumina trihydrate loading exceeds 40 wt%, which limits the rubber content and weakens the antiaging properties. This study compares two methods for enhancing tracking and erosion resistance while reducing ATH content to meet IP test requirements. Increasing Fe 2 O 3 content from 1.5 wt% to 3 wt% promotes the formation of mullite. The formed ceramic layer isolates heat and oxygen and hence facilitates the specimen to pass the IP tests with less content of ATH. By contrast, Pt/NS system cannot suppress the tracking efficiently by forming the SiOC ceramics at high ATH loading. The decomposition of ATH will generate water vapor and lead to holes in the surface. Both moisture and oxygen absorbed have a detrimental effect on the suppression mechanism of the Pt/NS system. Consequently, it is recommended that the content of Fe 2 O 3 can be increased slightly to lower the ATH content in the traditional HTV SiR formula used for the composite insulator. Besides, when the content of ATH is relatively high, the use of the Pt/NS system is not recommended.