Investigation on behavioural aspects of pine apple leaf fiber–latex composites used for transformer applications

The transformers perform the task of transmitting power to the power systems. The reliability of the power transformers decreases and the risk of failure increases due to the increasing operational time. The overall life of transformers that depends on the life of oil-paper insulation system throughout its operation. In most cases they fail due to the poor performance of the insulation paper. At the present time, technology is used to manufacture materials from agricultural waste which considered as a substitute to natural wood, due to the problem of global warming. The ever-increasing demand of the biodegradable polymer composites and natural fibers have great importance over synthetic fibers because of vast availability in nature. The natural rubber (Latex) remains attractive for several applications due to its low temperature flexibility, high elasticity, fatigue resistance, tearing resistance and low temperature build up. The objective of the study is to investigate the Thermal, Dielectric and Physical properties of pine apple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced natural rubber composites. The samples of different volume fractions of the fiber typically (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%) have been selected. It is found that the Thermal, Dielectric and Physical properties were influenced by fiber volume fraction. The Dielectric constant increases and Thermal conductivity decreases with increasing of fiber content.