AbstractAn epoxy/silica nanocomposite loading was subjected to a multistress environment along with neat epoxy (NEP) in a specially fabricated chamber at 2.5 kV for 9000 h. For aging investigation of the samples, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), leakage current monitoring and Swedish Transmission Research Institute hydrophobicity classification were used with constant visual inspection. Both samples were found to be adequate and suitable for insulation at the end of the aging period. However, the epoxy nanocomposite (EPNC) performed better in comparison to NEP. FTIR spectrographs showed that a reduction in important hydrocarbon groups was less in the EPNC. The leakage current was higher in the case of the neat sample and accompanied by a higher loss of hydrophobicity. Similarly, in the nanocomposite, no significant change in surface topography at micro level was recorded from the SEM analysis.
Insulator string leakage current-monitoring sensor based on fiber Bragg grating