Abstract:
In this research a comprehensive review of the literature on polymeric insulators,
polyamide (Nylon) nanocomposites, and their performance under UV aging was
performed. The comparison of polymeric insulators and conventional ceramic insulators
is discussed, along with the environmental aging phenomenon of polymeric insulators.
The preparation and performance analysis of modern insulation technologies with
advancements in nanotechnology are also presented. The latest studies of polymeric
insulators under Unistress and multistress environments are reviewed, and it is
concluded that UV radiation is one of the major environmental stresses that degrade the
physical and structural properties of polymeric insulators.
The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of UV radiations and DC electrical
stress on the performance of novel polyamide nanocomposite insulators with different
percentages of ZnO nanofillers loading. A specialized UV chamber is used to provide a
controlled weathering environment for this study. The performance of the
nanocomposite is examined before and after aging using various analytical techniques.
SEM and XRD are used to confirm the composite structure, and STRI and contact angle
are employed to assess surface hydrophobicity, which shows a decreasing trend after UV
aging, but the sample with 3% wt. of ZnO exhibited better performance. FTIR is used to
analyze chemical bonding, and oxidation is evident at the C=O functional group at
wavenumber 1728.04 cm
. Visual inspection and OM are used to observe any material
loss or resistance to it. UV-Vis and leakage current analysis are also conducted.
The results indicate that appropriate amounts of ZnO nanofillers with good dispersion
can enhance the properties of insulators against harmful UV radiation in outdoor
environments. The study highlights the potential of these nanocomposites for use as
insulators in electrical applications. The study is significant because it demonstrates the
effectiveness of nanocomposite technology in improving the durability and lifespan of
polymeric insulators, which are widely used in high-voltage transmission and
distribution systems.
