Investigation on the Electrical Breakdown Voltage Performance of LLDPE-Natural Fiber Composite Under Normal and Saltwater Immersion Conditions

Wan Muhammad Farish Wan Kamari; Nor Akmal Mohd Jamail; Qamarul Ezani Kamarudin

doi:10.56532/mjsat.v6iS2.813

Authors

Wan Muhammad Farish Wan Kamari Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Nor Akmal Mohd Jamail Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Qamarul Ezani Kamarudin Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56532/mjsat.v6iS2.813

Keywords:

LLDPE, Natural Rubber, Natural Fibre Composite, Breakdown Voltage, Saltwater Immersion, Dielectric Properties

Abstract

The development of environmentally friendly insulating materials has attracted significant attention due to increasing environmental concerns associated with conventional petroleum-based polymers. This study investigates the dielectric performance of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)–Natural Rubber (NR) composites reinforced with Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB), Oil Palm Frond (OPF), and Pineapple Leaf Fibre (PALF) under normal and saltwater immersion conditions. Twelve composite samples were fabricated using a fixed LLDPE–NR ratio of 80:20 with fibre loadings of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. Samples were immersed in a 3.5% NaCl solution for 120 days to simulate coastal environmental conditions. Moisture absorption and AC breakdown voltage tests were conducted according to IEC 60243-1 standards. Results showed that EFB composites exhibited the lowest moisture absorption, while PALF composites recorded the highest water uptake. Under normal conditions, the highest breakdown voltage of 38.57 kV was achieved by the 5% EFB composite. After saltwater immersion, the 5% OPF composite demonstrated the best dielectric performance with a breakdown voltage of 34.53 kV. The findings indicate that fibre type and fibre loading significantly influence dielectric properties and environmental durability. The 5% OPF composite is identified as the most suitable candidate for insulation applications in humid and coastal environments.

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