A review of possible degradation mechanisms of silicone elastomers in high voltage insulation applications

During the last twenty years many papers have been presented on the subject of aging of silicone rubber under conditions of high voltage, outdoor environment and contamination. Many opinions on the aging mechanisms of silicone rubber have been published. This paper will review current and previous works which have addressed the aging of silicone elastomers in high voltage insulation applications. Fundamental degradation mechanisms of polydimethylsiloxane polymers will be reviewed and related to published experimental findings where possible. Aging factors such as electrical stress, corona, arcing, moisture, UV and chemical attack will be addressed in this review