Simulation and characterization of Co3O4/carbon nanotube-filled PVC nanocomposites for medium-voltage cable applications

This study investigates the simulation of electric field distribution and the characterization of Co 3 O 4 /carbon nanotube (CNT)-filled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposites for potential applications in medium-voltage cables. The nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles and varying concentrations of CNTs (0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25% by weight) into a PVC matrix. The UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed an absorption edge of 3.75 eV, a direct bandgap of 5.15 eV, an Urbach tail energy of 0.4594 eV, and a carbon cluster parameter of 44.617 for the PVC/Co 3 O 4 + 0.25% CNT nanocomposite film. Incorporating CNTs enhanced the AC conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss compared to the pure Co 3 O 4 sample. The highest AC conductivity (7.46 × 10 –4 S/m) was achieved for the PVC/Co 3 O 4 + 0.25% CNT nanocomposite. COMSOL Multiphysics simulations were performed to study the electric field distribution in medium-voltage cables made of PVC and PVC/Co 3 O 4 + 0.25% CNT nanocomposites. The simulations revealed a more uniform electric field distribution in the nanocomposite cable than the pure PVC cable, owing to Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles and CNTs. The novelty of this study is improved uniformity in the electric field distribution for medium-voltage cable applications.