Effect of one-dimensional tetra-needle-like ZnO whiskers on the electrical properties of montmorillonite/silicon carbide/epoxy micro-nanocomposites

To solve the problem of corona discharge generated by the stator wire rod of large high-voltage motors, anti-corona technology should be developed rapidly to ensure the safe operation of power generation systems. A nonlinear anti-corona material is often used to coat the primary insulation at the end of the stator rod to improve the unevenness of the electric field and to reduce the problem of shortening the service life of the primary insulation caused by the uneven phenomenon of field strength. It is imperative to study composites with good nonlinear electrical conductivity properties. In this paper, Tetra-needle-like ZnO whiskers (T-ZnOw) with a three-dimensional four-needle three-dimensional structure was added to the montmorillonite/silicon carbide/epoxy (MMT/SiC/EP) composite system to improve the electrical properties of the hybrid system, and T-ZnOw/MMT/SiC/EP micro-nanocomposites were prepared. The result of dispersion and interfacial overlap of inorganic fillers in the matrix was shown by scanning electron microscope. The conductivity, breakdown, and dielectric properties of the composites were tested. The results show that T-ZnOw can constitute an excellent conductive path inside the composite and reduce the threshold field strength of the composite. It improves the electrical conductivity and nonlinear coefficient of the composite. The content of T-ZnOw is 1 phr, which can effectively enhance the breakdown field strength of the composite. Its range of 9 phr reduces the relative dielectric constant and the dielectric loss angle tangent value.