Properties and applications of superhydrophobic coatings in high voltage outdoor insulation: a review

The deposition of ice, snow, pollution or their mixtures on the surface of outdoor insulators may severely affect their performance, resulting in electrical and or mechanical failures. Various preventative methods are used to minimize the problems of ice and pollution build up on the surface of outdoor insulators. In the last few decades, advanced coatings have been developed for better performance of outdoor insulators in contaminated and freezing environments. These advanced coatings offer the advantage of low wettability, high thermal and ultraviolet resistance, self-cleaning, self-healing, low ice adhesion strength and delayed freezing time. It is believed that these benefits will not only increase the reliability of transmission systems but may also reduce the capital cost of transmission infrastructure. This paper presents a detailed review on the properties and applications of superhydrophobic coatings in outdoor high voltage insulation. This review can be beneficial to scientists and engineers in evaluating the performance and durability of superhydrophobic coatings in polluted and freezing conditions. It also highlights the need for standardized tests and procedures for better understanding the behavior of superhydrophobic coatings in different environments and their long-term durability.