ABB composite insulators made of thermoplastic

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to investigate the potential of new thermoplastic composite materials, especially materials with suitable process and physical properties that are interesting to ABB (for insulators). The main target is to manufacture more economically and environmentally sustainable products. Important parameters for the manufacturing process of these materials are identified which can be optimized and there is therefore a good foundation for additional research projects which also has been a goal of the project.

Expected results and effects

Prototypes have been manufactured from various types of thermoplastic materials, Commingled materials and thermoplastics that are in situ polymerized during the manufacturing. The knowledge gained from manufacturing gives great hopes that it will be possible to manufacture ABB insulators with thermoplastics in the future. The commingled materials are currently closer to the market, but there are also possibilities with the in situ polymerized thermoplastics after optimization of the process parameters.

Planned approach and implementation

The work was done in a number of work packages, including: * Requirements specification according to the properties required for composite insulators. * Screening of new materials * Manufacturing and testing of new materials Material and manufacturing methods with good potential have been developed and show good results. The good results motivate a continuation.