Fabrication of HTV-SR/ATH/DE/FS Nanocomposites Emerging Damage-tolerant Volumetric Superhydrophobicity Followed by Assessment of the Icephobic, Self-cleaning, Thermal, and Electrical Properties for Application to High-voltage Insulator

Given the detrimental effect of the ice and pollution accumulation on the high-voltage insulators, fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces having icephobic and self-cleaning is highly demanded. Superhydrophobic surfaces possessing low surface energy materials with favorable surface roughness have attracted tremendous attentions in both science and technology. However, lack of favorable mechanical durability of such appealing materials has confined their mass production and commercialization. Since the conventional insulators are getting replaced by the polymeric ones, specifically silicone rubber having low surface energy, this project aims to develop a damage-tolerant superhydrophobic silicone rubber nanocomposite possessing icephobic/self-cleaning properties capable to be utilized for high-voltage insulator application. In this regard, three different micro and nanoscale particles will be used to not only create volumetric superhydrophobic nanocomposite but enhance icephobic, self-cleaning, thermal, and electrical properties of silicone rubber. The optimized combination of these particles will bring about the hierarchical roughness required for superhydrophobicity as well as the flame retardancy, tracking, and erosion resistance of the nanocomposites.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gelareh Momen;Reza Jafari

Student:

Partner:

K-Line Insulators Limited

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

Program: