Performance evaluation of gamma‐ray irradiated silicone rubber nano‐micro composites using electrical, thermal, physiochemical and deep learning techniques

Abstract Silicone rubber insulation used in nuclear power stations is inevitably exposed to highly energetic gamma‐ray irradiations which may lead to premature failure. Therefore, it is mandatory to develop silicone rubber composites capable of withstanding the stress posed by gamma‐ray irradiation. The present research involves the development of micro aluminum tri hydrate (ATH) and nano silica (SiO₂) doped/co‐doped silicone rubber nanocomposites best suited for use in nuclear power stations. The samples were exposed to gamma‐ray irradiation of 500 kGy. Surface changes incurred were assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle, surface potential/impedance, water droplet‐initiated corona inception voltage (CIV) measurements thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was adopted to characterize the thermal stability of the specimens. Further moisture absorption behavior of the test specimens under strong electrolytic NaCl solution has been investigated. The erosion resistance of the virgin and gamma‐ray irradiated specimens has been classified using GoogLeNet convolution neural network.