Constellation, le dépôt institutionnel de l'Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

Résumé

In cold climate conditions, insulators are subjected to ice accretion that could affect their electrical performance and consequently lead to power outages. Besides icing, other outdoor factors, such as UV, rain, and pollution, could influence their electrical insulation efficiency. Slippery liquid-infused coatings have attracted great attention due to their icephobic applications. However, the problems caused by lubricant depletion could restrict their service time and thus limit their applications. Here, lubricant-loaded carrier (LLC) powders were first, obtained by applying negative pressure through a three-step procedure. Then, hydroxyl-terminated silicone oil carriers were impregnated into a blend of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and alkoxy-siloxane resin. The fabricated coatings exhibited long-lasting icephobic characteristics, resulting in reduced amount of ice accumulated on the surfaces. This reduction in ice adhesion is related not only to the slippery behavior of the coatings but also the formation of unfrozen hydrogen-bonded molecules. The coatings exhibited desired stability against weathering conditions, such as UV exposure and humidity. The electrical characteristics of the prepared coatings were evaluated using dielectric spectroscopy, flashover, condensation, and inclined plane tests. Accordingly, the coatings containing lubricant-loaded carriers showed increased flashover voltage in dry, wet, and polluted states and reduced leakage currents in the condensation test.