Silicone rubber subjected to combined temperature and humidity effects

Room-temperature-vulcanization silicone rubbers have been subjected to short duration, (1sec) negative corona discharges in different temperature and relative humidity environments. We have investigated the time dependence of the surface potential decay, in situ, in a climatic chamber. This study has revealed a strong influence of the initial deposited surface charge density, temperature and relative humidity. Bulk conduction mechanisms appear to be preponderant. A non homogeneous evolution of surface potential decay is observed at increased relative humidity.