Tailoring electrical properties of PVC/PEC/Co3O4 nanocomposites by electron beam irradiation for advanced medium voltage cable applications

This study aimed to investigate the effects of electron beam irradiation on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of polyvinyl chloride/pectin (PVC/PEC) nanocomposites incorporating hexagonal nanoplate Co3O4. Hexagonal nanoplate Co(3)O(4 )was synthesized and incorporated into PVC/PEC blends at 5 wt%. The nanocomposites were subjected to electron beam irradiation at varying doses (0, 10, 20, and 30 kGy). Various characterization techniques, including XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, AC conductivity, and dielectric measurements, were employed to analyze the irradiated samples. Additionally, electric field distribution simulations were performed for a 33 kV cable model. XRD analysis revealed the retention of Co(3)O(4 )crystallinity up to 30 kGy, while the polymer matrix showed degradation above 10 kGy. The optical bandgap decreased from 2.25 eV to 1.90 eV with increasing irradiation dose, indicating changes in the electronic structure. The optimized AC conductivity (37.17 x 10(-6) S m(-1)) and minimum relative permittivity (2.28) were achieved for the 30 kGy irradiated sample with 5 wt% Co3O4. The electric potential distribution gradually decreased from 33,000 V to zero V. The systematic variations in structural, optical, and electrical properties demonstrated controlled tuning of charge transport mechanisms, making these nanocomposites potentially suitable for advanced cable systems. The simulation results showed that the inclusion of Co(3)O(4 )at 30 kGy helped maintain a uniform electric field distribution in the 33 kV cable model compared to an unfilled cable.