Analysis of MXene and natural filler loaded XLPE composites: a hybrid dopant-filler system for high voltage insulation

High voltage (HV) polymeric composite insulations draw substantial attention to the power industry. This article explored the potentiality of the MXene as a dopant, a new member of 2D materials family and natural fillers (NF) with LDPE as a hybrid dopant-filler system for high voltage insulation. NF was produced from coconut coir by carbonization process as a natural carbon black to replace conventional carbon black. Three types of NF were prepared including untreated, potassium hydroxide (KOH) and DI treated NF. MXene was synthesized from Ti₃AlC₂ to obtain Ti₃C₂ by etching process. FTIR analysis was performed for all the fillers and it revealed the elimination of some lignin portion from KOH treated NF and successful etching of Al layers from Ti₃AlC₂. LDPE composites were prepared by incorporating fillers and crosslinker through melt mixing process. The composites were evaluated based on thermal, mechanical, electrical and morphological analysis. From DSC analysis it was observed that loading of 0.25 wt% MXene in LDPE has shifted melting point of pure LDPE to 4 °C. Inclusion of small amount of MXene considerably improved electrical properties, however mechanical property was not satisfactory. The morphological analysis was carried out through SEM characterization where it was observed that MXene helped to increase the chain alignment of the LDPE. NF with MXene created hybrid dopant-filler interaction which were co-related with the thermal and electrical properties. The hybrid dopant-filler system of MXene and NF system in LDPE composite demonstrated promising potential for HV voltage insulation offering enhance thermal and electrical performance.