Effects of polymeric materials and contaminants on streaming electrification

Abstract

In order to study the effect of material characteristics on static electrification phenomena, the charging current characteristics of different polymeric materials, such as, PTFE, XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), LDPE (low-density polyethylene) silicone rubber, EVA, EPR, pressboard, etc., in paraffinic-based transformer oil were investigated. Use was made of spinning disc system (SDS) over a temperature range of 27-60/spl deg/C and at a rotational speed varying from 250 to 2000 rpm. The charging current characteristics of the above materials were also investigated in the presence of conducting contaminants like cupric oxide and iron particles. The oil/silicone system had the lowest and the oil/LDPE system had the highest charging current characteristics. The oil/silicone, oil/EPR, and oil/PTFE systems exhibited peak current characteristics. The presence of contaminants particles like CuO and iron reduced the charging current characteristics of the oil/polymer systems significantly.<>