The Prevention of Surface Electrical Leakage in the Presence of Moisture
Abstract
The electrical leakage of insulation exposed to moisture, particularly when salt deposits from a marine environment are also present, can degrade the performance of electrical and electronic equipment or render it inoperative until cleaned and dried. Studies were made on the effects of prolonged bulk moisture condensation on the surface electrical resistivities of some typical insulating materials and coatings. As in the case of exposure to relative humidities below saturation, the materials of low surface energy maintained higher resistivities. Nonporous coatings with low surface energies maintained high resistivities even when applied to the poorer substrates, but porous coatings showed continual declines. The water-displacing abilities and the protection provided by several agents were evaluated, and a superior formulation was developed. This formulation rapidly displaced moisture to restore insulation resistivity, and dried to a solid film which maintained high resistivity upon reexposure to moisture. The film also protected metal parts against corrosion, but had a minimal effect on electrical contacts. This material should be useful in the maintenance of aircraft and shipboard electrical and electronic equipment and will aid in the restoration to service or temporary preservation of flooded equipment. The water-displacing action is produced by the use of n-butanol in the solvent blend. The protective film is composed of a paraffin wax, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and an amine-acid salt corrosion inhibitor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 24, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0732378
Entities
People
- Hayward R. Baker
- Robert N. Bolster
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory