Role of the size of particles of alumina trihydrate filler on the life of RTV silicone rubber coating

The paper reports on a study of the influence of the size of the particles of alumina trihydrate (ATH-Al₂O₃.3H₂O) filler on the life of room temperature vulcanised (RTV) silicone rubber coating in a salt-fog chamber. The particle sizes examined include 1.0, 4.5, 13, 17 and 75 μm. The optimum size to give the lowest leakage current and the longest time to failure of the coating is determined. The particle size affects the roughness of the coating. This is determined by a high resolution surface roughness tester and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination. The roughness is enhanced after prolonged testing in salt-fog. The leakage current affects the amount of silicone fluid on the surface. The amount of silicone fluid present on the surface after exposure to dry-band arcing in salt-fog is a function of the particle size. Measurements of surface roughness, the amount of silicone fluid on the surface and the leakage current combined with theoretical analysis of the heat of conduction lead to identification of the mechanisms by which the size of the ATH particle imparts resistance to tracking and erosion