applied

sciences
Article
Surface Tracking of MgO/Epoxy Nanocomposites:
Effect of Surface Hydrophobicity
Zhaoliang Xing 1,2 , Chong Zhang 1 , Xiangnan Hu 1 , Panhui Guo 3 , Jingyuan Zhang 1 ,
Ziyue Wang 4 , Kangning Wu 5, * and Jianying Li 5
1 State Key Laboratory of Advanced Transmission Technology, Global Energy Interconnection Research
Institute Co. Ltd., Beijing 102211, China; xingzhaoliang@geiri.sgcc.com.cn (Z.X.);
zhangc@geiri.sgcc.com.cn (C.Z.); wanxiangnan@geiri.sgcc.com.cn (X.H.);
zhangjingyuan@geiri.sgcc.com.cn (J.Z.)
2 State key Laboratory of Alternate Electrical Power System with Renewable Energy Sources, North China
Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
3 State Grid Corporation of China, Beijing 100031, China; guopanhui@sgcc.com.cn
4 Northwest Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. of China Power Engineering Consulting Group,
Xi’an 710075, China; wangziyue@nwepdi.com
5 State Key Laboratory of electrical insulation and Power Equipment, Xi’an 710049, China; lijy@xjtu.edu.cn
* Correspondence: wkn.xjtu@stu.xjtu.edu.cn




Received: 26 December 2018; Accepted: 19 January 2019; Published: 26 January 2019


Abstract: Surface tracking has been one of the challenges for outdoor organic insulations, in electronic
and electrical devices. In this paper, surface tracking behavior of nano-MgO/epoxy composite
samples were measured according to the standard IEC 60112. Improved tracking resistance was
obtained in nanocomposites with an 18.75% uplift in the comparative tracking index, and a decrease
of 58.20% in the surface ablation area at a fixed 425 V. It was observed that the tracking resistance
and surface hydrophobicity shared the same tendency—both, the comparative tracking index and
surface contact angle increased with an increase of the nanofiller content. Samples with better
hydrophobicity exhibited a higher tracking resistance. It could be the case that the conductive
pathway of contamination was harder to form, as a result there were fewer discharging processes.
With the development of surface tracking, the surface contact angle abruptly decreased, at first, and
tended to be constant, which was also accomplished with the failure of samples. In addition, reduced
surface resistivity was also found in the nanocomposites, which was beneficial for releasing surface
charges and inhibiting distortions in the electric fields.

Keywords: surface tracking; epoxy; nanocomposite; hydrophobicity

1. Introduction
Epoxy-based materials are widely employed for outdoor insulations in electrical devices because
of the excellent insulating and mechanical properties [1–4]. Outdoor insulating materials are exposed
to complicated environments, including sunlight, dusts, moisture, etc. Dust accumulates, easily, on the
surface of insulating materials. Conductivity of the dust increases when they are wetted from raining,
fog, dew, etc. In this situation, discharge is likely to be induced on the dust surface, under an external
electric field. Irreversible surface tracking is finally formed under continuous electrical stress, with an
extensive deterioration of insulating properties. Permanent damage to the insulation and even serious
accidents might be caused by surface tracking. It has been one of the important challenges for outdoor
organic insulations.
A number of studies were carried out to reveal the physical essence of surface tracking [5–9].
Nowadays, surface tracking is acknowledged as a surface degradation process of organic

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 413; doi:10.3390/app9030413 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 413 2 of 9

insulations [5,6]. The liquid contamination acts as a conduction pathway for the leakage current,
under an external electric field. It is non-uniformly heated and evaporated due to the joule heat,
leading to the formation of a dry-band zone. Most of the applied voltage is then withstood by the
resistive dry-band zone. In consequence, an extremely high electric field consequently appears at
the dry-band zone. Surface discharge finally takes place when the electric field is high enough.
Finally, surface tracking is formed under the combined stresses from electricity, heat, particle collisions,
ultraviolet light, etc.
In recent years, researchers have gradually focused on the surface tracking processes of
nanodielectrics. The science and technology of nanodielectrics, which are considered to be the
next generation of insulating materials, have developed rapidly since the proposal of “Nanometric
Dielectric” by Lewis [10], in 1994, and the redefinition of the term “Nanodielectric”, by Frechette [11] in
2001. Remarkable thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties have been achieved in nanodielectrics,
due to the induced interfaces between the nanofillers and the polymer matrix [7–9,12–18]. Improved
tracking resistance has also been achieved in nanodielectrics, by enhancing thermal conductivity [9,19],
stability of the chains [7], surface charge dissipation [20], etc. Among various nanofillers, MgO
was found to be an effective nanofiller for inhibiting the space charge [21], treeing breakdown, and
partial discharge [22]. Cross linked polyethylene (XLPE)/MgO nanocomposite material has been
employed as the insulation for 500 kV DC cable, developed in Japan, due to its excellent electrical
performance [23]. In our previous work, surface treeing, consisting of a series of segmented ablation
holes has been observed in nano-MgO/epoxy composites [8]. It suggested that the scattering effect of
nanoparticles on electrons plays an important role in the tracking process. Enhanced tracking resistance
in the nanocomposites was partially attributed to the electron scattering by nanoparticles. However,
besides the intrinsic properties of nanodielectrics, extrinsic surface properties were also found as
important factors in our follow-up studies. Electrical properties are inevitably affected by surface
conditions, including surface hydrophobicity [24–28]. In this paper, surface tracking measurements
were conducted on nano-MgO/epoxy composite samples. Surface hydrophobicity was characterized
by surface contact angle (SCA) [29], and its correlation with surface tracking has been discussed.

2. Materials and Methods

Commercial bisphenol-A epoxy resin (E51, Bluestar Wuxi Petrochemical Co., Ltd., China) and
MgO nanoparticles (Beijing DK nano technology Co., Ltd., China) have been employed as the major
raw materials. The nanoparticles were 50 nm, in average diameter, 50 m2 /g in specific surface area,
0.34 g/cm3 in apparent density, and 3.5 g/cm3 in true density. Nanocomposites were prepared by
dispersing the nano-MgO particles into the epoxy matrix, with the nanofiller contents of 0.1, 1, 2, 6,
and 10 wt%, respectively. The procedure has been explained below, in detail [8].
First, the surface-treated nano particles were prepared by uniformly mixing the coupling agent
(3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, KH-560, Shanghai Aladdin Biological Technology Co., Ltd.,
China), nano-MgO particles, and ethanol for 30 minutes, by a homogenization system (SPCH-18,
China). Second, the epoxy matrix was added in and mixing was continued for another 30 minutes.
The mixture was heated at 60 ◦ C, until the ethanol was completely volatilized. Third, the curing
agent (methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, GH9303, Orient Chemical Factory Jia Xing, China)
and accelerator (2.4.6-Tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, DMP-30, Shanghai Aladdin Biological
Technology Co., Ltd., China) were added in and the mixture was stirred, in vacuum, for an hour, until
potential bubbles were sufficiently removed. Finally, the samples were prepared after pre-curing at
80 ◦ C, for 2 h, heat preserving at 105 ◦ C, for 2 h, and post-curing at 120 ◦ C, for 8 h, in steel molds.
Surface tracking was measured according to the IEC 60112; the experimental apparatus (KS-53B,
China) is shown in Figure 1. Two wedge-shaped platinum electrodes were placed on the surface of the
sample, with a distance of 4 mm. AC voltage was applied to the electrodes. Statistical electric field
of the sample surface near the electrodes was applied to the right electrode when the left electrode
was at 0 V and 100 V, as shown in the enlarged figure on the right. The solution had a resistivity
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 413 3 of 9

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 9

of (1.70 ± 0.05) Ω·m at room temperature; it was prepared by dissolving 0.1% NH4 Cl and 0.5%
di-butyl naphthalene
sodium-di-butyl into deionized
naphthalene water, for
into deionized a more
water, for asevere
more tracking process,process,
severe tracking insteadinstead
of a 0.1%of
NH 4Cl solution [30]. The solution droplets were controlled to continuously drop 35 mm above the
a 0.1% NH4 Cl solution [30]. The solution droplets were controlled to continuously drop 35 mm
sample,
above theatsample,
an interval of interval
at an 30 s, when thes,AC
of 30 voltage
when the ACwasvoltage
appliedwasto the sample
applied to surface. Thesurface.
the sample sample
wassample
The definedwasto fail the measurement
defined when the discharge
to fail the measurement when thecurrent wascurrent
discharge bigger was
than bigger
0.5 A, for
than2 0.5
s. The
A,
measurement was repeated at a voltage that was higher by 25 V, until the sample
for 2 s. The measurement was repeated at a voltage that was higher by 25 V, until the sample failed failed the text in
the voltage range from 100 V to 600 V. The comparative tracking index (CTI), which
the text in the voltage range from 100 V to 600 V. The comparative tracking index (CTI), which was was defined as
the maximum
defined voltage voltage
as the maximum that thethat sample withstands,
the sample for 50
withstands, for solution
50 solution droplets,
droplets,was
was obtained
obtained to to
characterize the tracking resistance. In addition, the surface ablation area was calculated,
characterize the tracking resistance. In addition, the surface ablation area was calculated, as another as another
parameter,to
parameter, toprecisely
preciselypresent
presenttracking
trackingresistance,
resistance,asaswell.
well.Samples
Sampleswereweresetsetto
towithstand
withstand50 50 droplets
droplets
at a fixed voltage (425 V) and tracking pictures were taken on their surfaces. Surface
at a fixed voltage (425 V) and tracking pictures were taken on their surfaces. Surface ablation area ablation area
was, thus, calculated by selecting the surface tracking regions and numbering
was, thus, calculated by selecting the surface tracking regions and numbering the corresponding pixelthe corresponding
pixel numbers
numbers by an by an image
image processing
processing softwaresoftware
(Adobe (Adobe Photoshop).
Photoshop).

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of surface tracking measurement and electric field distribution near
Figure 1. Schematic diagram of surface tracking measurement and electric field distribution near the
the electrodes.
electrodes.
Hydrophobicity greatly affects the distribution of liquid contamination, on the sample’s surface.
Hydrophobicity greatly affects the distribution of liquid contamination, on the sample’s surface.
In this study, SCA was utilized to characterize surface hydrophobicity via a contact angle instrument
In this study, SCA was utilized to characterize surface hydrophobicity via a contact angle instrument
(JY-PHa, Chengde yote Instrument Sales Co. Ltd, China). Deionized water was used as the
(JY-PHa, Chengde yote Instrument Sales Co. Ltd, China). Deionized water was used as the
experimental solution. To guarantee the accuracy of the measurement results, the samples should be
experimental solution. To guarantee the accuracy of the measurement results, the samples should be
placed in parallel, during the test, with each droplets of test solution ensured between 4–5 µL.
placed in parallel, during the test, with each droplets of test solution ensured between 4–5 µ L.
Surface resistivity was measured by home-made devices. Two parallel rectangle electrodes (20 × 8 mm)
Surface resistivity was measured by home-made devices. Two parallel rectangle electrodes (20
with the distance of 2 mm, were pasted on to the samples. Current across the electrodes were measured by
× 8 mm) with the distance of 2 mm, were pasted on to the samples. Current across the electrodes were
an ampere meter (6517B, Keithley, America).
measured by an ampere meter (6517B, Keithley, America).
In addition, the nanocomposite samples were fractured in liquid nitrogen and the pictures of
In addition, the nanocomposite samples were fractured in liquid nitrogen and the pictures of the
the cross-sections were taken by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM, KEYENCE VE9800, Japan)
cross-sections were taken by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM, KEYENCE VE9800, Japan) to
to make sure that the nano-MgO particles were uniformly dispersed into the epoxy matrix. Detailed
make sure that the nano-MgO particles were uniformly dispersed into the epoxy matrix. Detailed
tracking patterns were characterized by SEM, as well.
tracking patterns were characterized by SEM, as well.
3. Results and Discussions
It is acknowledged that nano-particles are easy to agglomerate, due to their large specific surface
area. Therefore, samples were fractured in liquid nitrogen and SEM pictures were taken on their
cross-sections, which are shown in Figure 2. A smooth surface can be observed in Figure 2a, since no
nano-particles were doped into it. On the contrary, white dots, which are marked by yellow circles
in each picture, were found in the nanocomposites. Cracks first appeared at the interface between
nano-particles and the epoxy matrix in them, so it can be inferred that the white dots refer to the
nano-MgO particles. It can be seen from Figure 2b–e that the nano-particles were uniformly dispersed
into the epoxy matrix when the MgO content was less than 6 wt%. A slight conglomeration was found
in Figure 2f when it was over-doped (samples with an addition of 10 wt% nano-MgO particles).
 in each picture, were found in the nanocomposites. Cracks first appeared at the interface between
nano-particles and the epoxy matrix in them, so it can be inferred that the white dots refer to the
nano-MgO particles. It can be seen from Figures 2b–e that the nano-particles were uniformly
dispersed into the epoxy matrix when the MgO content was less than 6 wt%. A slight conglomeration
was found in Figure 2f when it was over-doped (samples with an addition of 10 wt% nano-MgO
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 413 4 of 9
particles).

Figure 2. SEM
Figure pictures
2. SEM of of
pictures thethe
cross-sections
cross-sections of
of the
the samples withdifferent
samples with different additions
additions of nano-MgO
of nano-MgO
particles. (a) Neat epoxy, (b) 0.1 wt%, (c) 1 wt%, (d) 2 wt%, (e) 6 wt%, and (f) 10 wt%. The
particles. (a) Neat epoxy, (b) 0.1 wt%, (c) 1 wt%, (d) 2 wt%, (e) 6 wt%, and (f) 10 wt%. The white white
dots dots
marked by the yellow circles refer to the nano-MgO particles.
marked by the yellow circles refer to the nano-MgO particles.

Figure 3 shows
Figure 3 showsthethe
anti-tracking
anti-trackingproperties
properties of
of the nanocomposite
nanocomposite samples.
samples. TheThe typical
typical ablation
ablation
morphology
morphology of the
of the samples
samples is is shownininFigure
shown Figure 3a, inin which
whichthree
threeablation
ablation regions can can
regions be observed.
be observed.
As shown
As shown in theinenlarged
the enlarged
SEMSEM pictures,
pictures, the the smooth
smooth surface
surface around
around thethe electrode/sample contacts
electrode/sample contacts was
was detected in Region A. A “tank” ablation in Region B, was located between
detected in Region A. A “tank” ablation in Region B, was located between the two halves of Region the two halves of A.
Region A. The most severe ablation area appeared in Region C. In this region, the surface trees started
The most severe ablation area appeared in Region C. In this region, the surface trees started from the
from the end of Region A and extended along the electric field, leading to the crossed ablation trees.
end of Region A and extended along the electric field, leading to the crossed ablation trees. In addition,
In addition, enhanced tracking resistance was found in the nanocomposite samples. As shown in
enhanced tracking resistance was found in the nanocomposite samples. As shown in Figure 3b, CTI
Figure 3b, CTI increased from 400 V of neat epoxy samples to 475 V of samples with a 10 wt% addition
increased from 400particles.
of nano-MgO V of neatConsidering
epoxy samples to 475 Vlow
the relatively of samples
precisionwith
(25 V)a 10
of wt% additionarea
CTI, ablation of nano-MgO
of the
particles.
samples under a fixed voltage (425 V), was also measured, as shown in Figure 3c, to evaluate under
Considering the relatively low precision (25 V) of CTI, ablation area of the samples the a
fixed tracking
voltageresistance.
(425 V), was also measured, as shown in Figure 3c, to evaluate the tracking
In accordance with the increase of CTI, ablation area decreased from 308.72 mm resistance.
2

of neat epoxy
In accordance withsamples to 129.05
the increase mm2 ablation
of CTI, of 10 wt%area
nano-MgO-doped
decreased from samples.
308.72Allmm 2 ofresults
these indicated
neat epoxy samples
an improved
to 129.05 2
mm of 10 tracking resistance in nanocomposites.
wt% nano-MgO-doped samples. All these results indicated an improved tracking
resistance
Appl. in8,nanocomposites.
Sci. 2018, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 9

Figure
Figure 3. Typical surface
3. Typical surface morphology
morphology of of the
the epoxy
epoxy samples,
samples, after
after the
the tracking
tracking measurement,
measurement, with
with
enlarged SEM pictures for the tree regions (a). The corresponding comparative tracking
enlarged SEM pictures for the tree regions (a). The corresponding comparative tracking index (CTI) index (CTI)
(b) and
(b) and ablation
ablation area
area after
after 50
50 droplets,
droplets, at
at aa fixed
fixed voltage
voltage of
of 425
425 VV (c)
(c) for
for samples
samples with
with different
different
nanofiller contents.
nanofiller contents.

An interesting
An interestingphenomenon,
phenomenon,as asshown
shownin inFigure
Figure4,4, was
was that
that the
the dependence
dependenceof of the
the SCA
SCA onon the
the
addition of nano-MgO particles, presented a similar tendency with that of the CTI. SCA for
addition of nano-MgO particles, presented a similar tendency with that of the CTI. SCA for neat neat epoxy
epoxy samples were about 80 degree, which was similar to other reports [31]. With an increase of the
MgO content, both the SCA and the CTI increased remarkably. It is, thus, reasonable to deduce that
surface hydrophobicity is closely correlated with tracking resistance characteristics in nano-
MgO/epoxy composites. The reason for this remarkable similarity could be due to the better
hydrophobicity of the sample; the smaller water film area deposited on the surface of sample. The
 Figure 3. Typical surface morphology of the epoxy samples, after the tracking measurement, with
enlarged SEM pictures for the tree regions (a). The corresponding comparative tracking index (CTI)
(b) and ablation area after 50 droplets, at a fixed voltage of 425 V (c) for samples with different
Appl. Sci.nanofiller
2019, 9, 413contents. 5 of 9

An interesting phenomenon, as shown in Figure 4, was that the dependence of the SCA on the
samples
additionwere about 80 degree,
of nano-MgO which
particles, was similar
presented to other
a similar reports
tendency with[31]. With
that an increase
of the CTI. SCAoffor
theneat
MgO
content, both the SCA and the CTI increased remarkably. It is, thus, reasonable to
epoxy samples were about 80 degree, which was similar to other reports [31]. With an increase of thededuce that surface
hydrophobicity
MgO content, both is closely
the SCAcorrelated
and the CTIwith trackingremarkably.
increased resistance It characteristics in nano-MgO/epoxy
is, thus, reasonable to deduce that
surface hydrophobicity
composites. The reason foristhis closely correlated
remarkable with tracking
similarity could beresistance
due to thecharacteristics in nano- of
better hydrophobicity
theMgO/epoxy
sample; thecomposites.
smaller water Thefilm
reason
area for this remarkable
deposited on the surfacesimilarity could The
of sample. be test
due solution
to the better
tended
hydrophobicity of the sample; the smaller water film area deposited on the
to be cohesive, when SCA was relatively high. As a result, the formation of the drying region surface of sample. Thewas
test solution
probably tendedAccompanying
inhibited. to be cohesive, when SCAthe
this was was relativelynon-uniform
inhibited, high. As a result, the formation
electric of the
field distribution,
drying
which region
arose from wastheprobably inhibited.
evaporation of theAccompanying this was
solution, by joule theConsequently,
heat. inhibited, non-uniform electric of
the probability
field distribution, which arose from the evaporation of the solution, by joule heat.
forming a continuous conduction path was considerably reduced, resulting in an increased tracking Consequently, the
probability of forming a continuous conduction path was considerably
resistance. However, it should be marked that this conclusion was derived from a single factorreduced, resulting in an
increased tracking resistance. However, it should be marked that this conclusion was derived from a
comparison, while the tracking resistance was related to a variety of factors. Further research is
single factor comparison, while the tracking resistance was related to a variety of factors. Further
necessary for understanding the process of surface tracking.
research is necessary for understanding the process of surface tracking.

Figure 4. Comparison of surface contact angle and CTI of the nanocomposites.

Figure 4. Comparison of surface contact angle and CTI of the nanocomposites.

Different morphologies of water droplets were found in different ablated regions, after the
Different morphologies of water droplets were found in different ablated regions, after the
tracking process. Pictures of the water droplets, taking a sample with a doped 1 wt% nano-particles,
tracking process. Pictures of the water droplets, taking a sample with a doped 1 wt% nano-particles,
as as
ananexample,
example, ininRegion
RegionBBand andRegion
Region C,C, are
are shown
shown inin Figure
Figure 5.
5.In
InRegion
RegionB,B,the
thedroplets
droplets showed
showed
ananirregular
irregular strip
stripshape,
shape,with
withsignificant
significant difference in the
difference in the front
frontand
andside
sidemorphology.
morphology. In In Region
Region C, C,
however,
however, the shape of the droplet was a regular circular shape, i.e., the front and side profiles of thethe
the shape of the droplet was a regular circular shape, i.e., the front and side profiles of
droplet
dropletwere
were almost
almostthe thesame.
same.This
Thisphenomenon
phenomenon arose arose from
fromthethedifferent
differentmorphologies
morphologies inin those
those twotwo
Appl.During
regions. Sci. 2018, 8,
thex FOR PEER REVIEW 6uniform,
of 9
regions. During thetracking
trackingprocess,
process,thethe dendritic ablation
ablationregion
region(Region
(RegionC)C)was
was relatively
relatively uniform,
while the ablation area between electrodes (Region B) was a long ‘tank’. The ‘tank’ distribution of
while the ablation area between electrodes (Region B) was a long ‘tank’. The ‘tank’ distribution of
Region B finally
Region resulted
B finally in irregular
resulted in irregularshapes
shapesofofthe
the water droplets.
water droplets.

Figure 5. Pictures
Figure of water
5. Pictures of waterdroplets
dropletson
on the surfaceofof
the surface the
the epoxy
epoxy sample.
sample. FrontFront view
view (a) and(a) and
side side
view (b)view
(b) ofof
the
thedroplet,
droplet,after
afterthe
the tracking processininRegion
tracking process RegionB;B;front
front view
view (c),(c),
andand
sideside view
view (d)the
(d) of ofdroplet
the droplet
after tracking process
after tracking in Region
process in RegionC.C.

To further study the effect of SCA on the nanocomposites, the samples were subjected to a
tracking test with a number of experimental droplets—5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, 45, and 50—controlled
separately. Then the SCA measurement of each sample was carried out to investigate the
hydrophobicity of the epoxy nanocomposites, during the tracking process. When the surface of the
specimen was carbonized, the water droplets will be directly applied to the surface of the specimen,
resulting in an inability to measure the SCA. Therefore, the surface contamination was wiped before
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 413 6 of 9

To further study the effect of SCA on the nanocomposites, the samples were subjected to a tracking
test with a number of experimental droplets—5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, 45, and 50—controlled separately.
Then the SCA measurement of each sample was carried out to investigate the hydrophobicity of
the epoxy nanocomposites, during the tracking process. When the surface of the specimen was
carbonized, the water droplets will be directly applied to the surface of the specimen, resulting in an
inability to measure the SCA. Therefore, the surface contamination was wiped before the measurement.
Considering the difference of Region B and Region C in the tracking process, dependences of the
SCA on the number of droplets that were remaining, in both Region B and Region C, are presented
in Figure 6. As can be seen from Figure 6b, the front contact angle of the droplet was greater than
the side contact angle in Region B, during the tracking process, while the two contact angles were
almost equal in Region C, in Figure 6c. This result was consistent with the observations in Figure 5.
The common phenomenon of the two ablation regions was that the contact angle decreased, gradually,
with the development of the tracking process, which indicated that the hydrophobicity of the sample
gradually decreased. The decreasing of hydrophobicity resulted in the increase of the water film area,
as well as the contaminant area of the specimen surface. It is worth noting that fifteen droplets might
be a crucial number for the tracking process. Ablation area slowly increased in Figure 6a, while SCA
decreased rapidly in Figure 6b,c, by the time the fifteenth droplet was administered. When the number
of droplets administered was over fifteen, the ablation area increased rapidly, while the SCA gradually
tended to be constant. This could be because losing the hydrophobicity led to a more severe ablation
and Sci.
Appl. s faster approach
2018, 8, to REVIEW
x FOR PEER the failure stage, as shown in Figure 6a. 7 of 9

Evolution
Figure 6.6.Evolution
Figure ofof
thethe ablation
ablation areaarea
of 1 of
wt%1 wt% nano-MgO-doped
nano-MgO-doped samples,
samples, at during
at 500 V 500 V during the
the surface
surface tracking
tracking measurement
measurement (a)corresponding
(a) and the and the corresponding contact
contact angles anglesBin(b)
in Region Region B (b) and
and Region Region
C (c).
C (c).
Surface resistivity of the nanocomposite samples is plotted in Figure 7. It decreased rapidly and
Surfaceincreased,
then slowly resistivitywith
of the nanocomposite
increasing nano-MgO samples is plotted
particles. in Figure
Lowered 7. Itresistivity
surface decreasedwasrapidly and
detected
then slowly increased, with increasing nano-MgO particles. Lowered surface resistivity
in the nanocomposite samples, on the whole, which is beneficial for reducing the accumulation of was detected
in the nanocomposite
surface samples,ofonthe
charges and distortion theelectric
whole,field.
which Inisaddition,
beneficial for reducing
great effects of the accumulation
surface tracking onof
surface charges and distortion of the electric field. In addition, great effects of surface
surface resistivity was also observed. The resistivity was about one magnitude lower, after the surface tracking on
surface resistivity
tracking was also
process. This observed. The
is predictable, as aresistivity
result of was about one
formation magnitude lower,
of conductive after during
pathways, the surface
the
surface tracking measurement. Meanwhile, surface resistivity after the tracking process, showedthe
tracking process. This is predictable, as a result of formation of conductive pathways, during a
surfaceMgO
similar tracking measurement.
content, Meanwhile,
as that before tracking. surface resistivity after the tracking process, showed a
similar MgO content, as that before tracking.
surface charges and distortion of the electric field. In addition, great effects of surface tracking on
surface resistivity was also observed. The resistivity was about one magnitude lower, after the surface
tracking process. This is predictable, as a result of formation of conductive pathways, during the
surface tracking measurement. Meanwhile, surface resistivity after the tracking process, showed a
similar
Appl. Sci. MgO
2019, 9,content,
413 as that before tracking. 7 of 9

Figure 7. Surface resistivity of the nano-MgO/epoxy composite samples, before and after surface
Figure 7. Surface resistivity of the nano-MgO/epoxy composite samples, before and after surface
tracking measurement.
tracking measurement.
4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
Effects of surface hydrophobicity on the tracking resistance of epoxy/nanocomposites were
Effects of
investigated surface
in this hydrophobicity
study. on the tracking
The main conclusions are listedresistance
as follows:of epoxy/nanocomposites were
investigated in thistracking
(1) Increased study. The main conclusions
resistance was obtained are listed as follows: nanocomposite samples. CTI
in MgO/epoxy
(1) Increased tracking resistance was obtained
increased from 400 V, for the neat epoxy samples, to 475 V, for thein MgO/epoxy nanocomposite samples. CTI
10 wt% nano-MgO-doped
increasedAccordingly,
samples. from 400 V, for thethe neat epoxy
ablation samples,
area under to 475
a fixed 425V,V,
fordecreased
the 10 wt% nano-MgO-doped
from 308.72 mm2 , forsamples.
the neat
Accordingly, the ablation area
2 under a fixed 425 V, decreased from 308.72
epoxy samples to 129.05 mm , for 10 wt% nano-MgO-doped samples, which indicated an improved mm 2, for the neat epoxy

samples to 129.05
anti-tracking mm2, for 10 wt% nano-MgO-doped samples, which indicated an improved anti-
performance.
tracking performance.
(2) Surface hydrophobicity was found to be an important factor for the tracking process. A good
consistence was found betweenwas
(2) Surface hydrophobicity the found
initial to
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andimportant
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thethe tracking
MgO process.
content. A good
In addition,
consistence
the inflectionwas found
point between
of the the initial
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tracking process, area
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Author Contributions: Z.X. performed the experiment, analyzed the data, and wrote the paper. P.G. helped
in using the tools and machines. C.Z., X.H. and J.Z. contributed in providing reagents/materials and
characterizations. P.G. helped in sample preparation. Z.W., K.W. and J.L. conceived the idea and designed
the experiment. K.W. and J.L. offered suggestions about the paper.
Funding: This work was funded by the State Grid Corporation of China (SGRIDGKJ[2017]607), the State Key
Laboratory of Advanced Power Transmission Technology (GEIRI-SKL-2018-011), the National Key Research
and Development Program of China (No. 2018YFB0905802), and the Power Electronics Science and Education
Development Program of Delta Group (DREM2017001).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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