Formulation and Investigation Epoxy Composite Properties for Electrical Insulation Prepared by Hand Lay-Up Method

Epoxy composites are extensively utilized in electrical insulation because of their exceptional mechanical and dielectric characteristics. However, there has been limited research on the properties and performance of composites produced by the hand lay-up method, utilizing diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), Meta Phenylene Diamine (MPDA), silane, rice husk ash, vinyl silane, and polyethylene. Therefore, this study aims to develop and examine epoxy composites' properties for the electricity insulation produced using the hand lay-up method. The materials comprise diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin, Meta Phenylene Diamine (MPDA), silane, rice husk ash, vinyl silane, and polyethylene. The composite specimens were manufactured using the hand lay-up technique and subjected to a battery of tests, including tensile testing, hydrophobic testing, and leakage current testing. The results of this study showed that with the filler concentrations higher than 37 wt.%, the water contact angle, time to tracking, and erosion resistance of the composite specimens decreased. The findings of this study demonstrated that the RTVR 37 specimen, including 37 wt.% of filler, had superior performance in terms of hydrophobicity, tracking resistance, tensile strength, and minimal eroded area. Water contact angle, time to tracking, and eroded area of the RTVR 37 specimen were 93.0°, 144.008 seconds, and 3066 mm², respectively. Furthermore, the RTVR 37 specimen's tensile strength of 61.41 N/mm² fulfils the requirements for insulation of electricity applications. The findings of this study offer significant insight into developing cost-efficient and high-performing epoxy composites appropriate for the insulation of electricity applications.