Thermoplastic vulcanizate polymer material for high voltage enclosures

Abstract

This document discloses high-voltage components that utilize thermoplastic vulcanizates to improve performance and are easy to manufacture. One example of a high-voltage component includes a part capable of operating in high-voltage environments and a thermoplastic vulcanizate housing surrounding said part. This document also discloses methods for manufacturing the thermoplastic vulcanizate and the high-voltage component.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 603,474, filed November 28, 2023; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 616,384, filed December 29, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 619,208, filed January 9, 2024, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to thermoplastic vulcanized rubber polymer materials that can be used in high-voltage components. Background Technology

[0004] High-voltage polymer casing materials are currently based on thermosetting polymers, such as elastomers like EPDM and silicone rubber, which require cross-linking. Due to this requirement, these elastomers are processed in highly specialized equipment, which typically consumes a significant amount of time in product manufacturing. Furthermore, these elastomers may not be recyclable or reusable, leading to additional production costs. Therefore, improved materials can be used to overcome or limit these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, this document describes a high-voltage component comprising: a part capable of operating in a high-voltage environment; and a housing at least partially surrounding the part, the housing comprising thermoplastic vulcanizate.

[0006] In one aspect, this document describes a high-voltage component comprising: a part capable of operating in a high-voltage environment; and a housing at least partially surrounding said part, said housing being substantially composed of thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and optional functional fillers.

[0007] In one aspect, this document describes a method for manufacturing high-voltage components, the method comprising: providing a thermoplastic vulcanized rubber; and overmolding the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber onto a component capable of operating in a high-voltage environment. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 An example of a high-voltage component is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the different material phases of the disclosed thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example method for producing the disclosed thermoplastic vulcanizate is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0011] This article discloses thermoplastic vulcanizates suitable for high-voltage applications. Elastomer materials can be blended with thermoplastic materials. While the material may possess some of the properties of a soft elastomer phase, it can be processed in any typical plastic molding machine. Plastic molding machines are commonly used and can manufacture plastic parts at relatively high speeds. Furthermore, thermoplastic vulcanizates can be recyclable, which reduces the overall cost of production. Finally, thermoplastic vulcanizates can be safely stored for a much longer period (typically several years) compared to current thermoset elastomers (which are typically stored for a few weeks).

[0012] 1. Definition

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of any conflict, this document (including the definitions) shall prevail. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not restrictive. Similar or equivalent methods and materials to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the disclosed techniques. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0014] Before explaining any embodiment in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure, in its application, is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the following figures. This disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive.

[0015] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “has,” “may,” “containing,” and variations thereof are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of other actions or structures. The singular forms “a,” “and,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. This disclosure also contemplates other embodiments, whether explicitly stated or not, of the embodiments or elements presented herein, including “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “substantially consisting of.”

[0016] The terms “installation,” “connection,” and “combination” are widely used and encompass both direct and indirect installation, connection, and combination. Furthermore, “connection” and “combination,” whether direct or indirect, are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or combinations and may include electrical connections or combinations. Additionally, electronic communication and notification can be carried out using any known means, including direct connections, wireless connections, etc.

[0017] The modifier “about” used with a quantity includes the stated value and has the meaning indicated by the context (e.g., it includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity). The modifier “about” should also be considered to disclose a range defined by the absolute values ​​of its two endpoints. For example, the expression “about 2 to about 4” also discloses a range of “2 to 4”. The term “about” can refer to a value plus or minus 10%. For example, “about 10%” can represent a range of 9% to 11%, and “about 1” can refer to 0.9–1.1. Other meanings of “about” can be obvious from the context, such as rounding; therefore, for example, “about 1” can also refer to 0.5 to 1.4.

[0018] In describing the numerical ranges in this article, each intermediate number with the same precision is explicitly considered. For example, for the range of 6–9, the numbers 7 and 8 are considered in addition to 6 and 9; for the range of 6.0–7.0, the numbers 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, and 7.0 are considered; and for the range of 1.5–2, the numbers 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 2 are considered.

[0019] 2. High-voltage components

[0020] This document discloses high-voltage assemblies that include thermoplastic vulcanizate as the housing material for high-voltage components. For example, a high-voltage assembly may include a component capable of operating in high-voltage environments (e.g., about 1 kV to about 765 kV), and a housing that at least partially surrounds said component, wherein said housing comprises thermoplastic vulcanizate. In some embodiments, the housing completely surrounds the component. Figure 1 An example of a high-voltage component is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the high-voltage component 10 is a deadend insulator, which includes a thermoplastic vulcanized rubber shell 20 surrounding a fiberglass rod (not shown).

[0021] For example, any type of high-voltage component that can be used in power transmission and distribution systems can be used in high-voltage assemblies. Examples of components include, but are not limited to, surge arresters, transmission and distribution insulators, polymer cut-outs, fuses, bushings, and circuit breakers. A high-voltage surge arrester is a protective device that limits voltage on equipment by discharging or bypassing surge current. A high-voltage insulator is a device used to isolate electrical conductors from a tower on the ground. A fuse is a device used to protect distribution transformers from current surges and overloads. High-voltage components can be classified to operate in specific high-voltage environments, which is typically supplied by the vendor.

[0022] The high-voltage component is capable of operating in environments with varying high voltages. For example, the component can operate in environments ranging from about 1 kV to about 765 kV, such as about 10 kV to about 765 kV, about 20 kV to about 765 kV, about 50 kV to about 765 kV, about 75 kV to about 765 kV, about 100 kV to about 765 kV, about 200 kV to about 765 kV, about 300 kV to about 765 kV, about 500 kV to about 765 kV, about 1 kV to about 50 kV, about 1 kV to about 500 kV, about 10 kV to about 500 kV, or about 100 kV to about 600 kV. In some embodiments, the component is capable of operating in environments with voltages greater than 1 kV, greater than 10 kV, greater than 50 kV, greater than 75 kV, greater than 100 kV, greater than 150 kV, greater than 200 kV, greater than 250 kV, greater than 300 kV, greater than 350 kV, greater than 400 kV, greater than 450 kV, or greater than 500 kV. In some embodiments, the component is capable of operating in environments with voltages less than 800 kV, less than 775 kV, less than 765 kV, less than 750 kV, or less than 700 kV.

[0023] The outer shell comprises thermoplastic vulcanized rubber. In some embodiments, the outer shell is substantially composed of thermoplastic vulcanized rubber. In some embodiments, the outer shell is composed of thermoplastic vulcanized rubber. The thermoplastic vulcanized rubber includes thermoplastic plastics and elastomers. Thermoplastic plastics are polymers that can be remelted, reshaped, and reused at high temperatures. Elastomers are viscoelastic, rubber-like materials, and in some cases, can be at least partially cured. Both thermoplastic plastics and elastomers are commercially available.

[0024] Because it comprises both a thermoplastic and an elastomer, the thermoplastic vulcanizate can possess the beneficial properties derived from these two separate polymers. For example, the thermoplastic vulcanizate can exhibit the properties of rubber (e.g., cross-linked rubber), such as elasticity, flexibility, strength, and solvent resistance. The thermoplastic vulcanizate can also exhibit the processing properties of thermoplastics, for example, being solid at room temperature and meltable at high temperatures, and can be recyclable. Therefore, in some embodiments, the outer shell is recyclable.

[0025] The thermoplastic vulcanizate may comprise different phases of thermoplastic plastics and elastomers. For example, the thermoplastic vulcanizate may comprise two or more polymer phases, one of which may be a continuous hard plastic phase, while the other phase may be a discontinuous soft elastomer phase. Therefore, the thermoplastic vulcanizate may comprise a continuous thermoplastic matrix and a discontinuous elastomer phase dispersed within the thermoplastic matrix. Figure 2 The morphology of the aforementioned thermoplastic vulcanized rubber is depicted, schematically showing that the cross-linked rubber particles constitute a discontinuous elastomeric phase.

[0026] Generally, any thermoplastic suitable for manufacturing thermoplastic vulcanizates can be used as the thermoplastic. Examples of thermoplastics include, but are not limited to, polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, etc.), polyimides, polyesters, polyamides (e.g., nylon 6, nylon 12, etc.), poly(phenylene ether), copolymers of polyolefins and vinyl acetate (e.g., ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), polycarbonate, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polystyrene derivatives, polyphenylene ether, polyoxymethylene, fluorinated thermoplastic resins, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or polyethylene. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic is ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or polyethylene.

[0027] The thermoplastic vulcanizate may include varying amounts of thermoplastic plastic. For example, the thermoplastic vulcanizate may include approximately 10 wt% to approximately 90 wt% based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate, such as approximately 15 wt% to approximately 85 wt%, approximately 20 wt% to approximately 80 wt%, approximately 30 wt% to approximately 70 wt%, approximately 30 wt% to approximately 80 wt%, approximately 40 wt% to approximately 60 wt%, approximately 10 wt% to approximately 50 wt%, or approximately 50 wt% to approximately 90 wt% of thermoplastic plastic based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

[0028] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber, the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber includes greater than 10 wt% thermoplastic plastic, greater than 15 wt% thermoplastic plastic, greater than 20 wt% thermoplastic plastic, greater than 30 wt% thermoplastic plastic, greater than 40 wt% thermoplastic plastic, or greater than 50 wt% thermoplastic plastic. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber, the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber includes less than 90 wt% thermoplastic plastic, less than 80 wt% thermoplastic plastic, less than 70 wt% thermoplastic plastic, less than 60 wt% thermoplastic plastic, less than 50 wt% thermoplastic plastic, or less than 40 wt% thermoplastic plastic.

[0029] Generally, any elastomer suitable for manufacturing thermoplastic vulcanizates can be used as the elastomer. Examples of elastomers include, but are not limited to, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), fluorosilicone rubber, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), natural rubber, nitrile rubber, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), fluorosilicone rubber, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), natural rubber, and nitrile rubber. In some embodiments, the elastomer comprises silicone rubber. In some embodiments, the elastomer is silicone rubber.

[0030] The thermoplastic vulcanizate may include varying amounts of elastomer. For example, the thermoplastic vulcanizate may include approximately 10 wt% to approximately 90 wt% of the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate, such as approximately 15 wt% to approximately 85 wt%, approximately 20 wt% to approximately 80 wt%, approximately 30 wt% to approximately 70 wt%, approximately 40 wt% to approximately 60 wt%, approximately 10 wt% to approximately 50 wt%, approximately 25 wt% to approximately 50 wt%, or approximately 50 wt% to approximately 90 wt% of the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

[0031] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate, the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises more than 10 wt%, more than 15 wt%, more than 20 wt%, more than 30 wt%, more than 40 wt%, or more than 50 wt% of elastomer. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate, the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises less than 90 wt%, less than 80 wt%, less than 70 wt%, less than 60 wt%, less than 50 wt%, or less than 40 wt% of elastomer.

[0032] Different fillers may be blended during the vulcanization process to provide additional functionality to the thermoplastic vulcanizate and its shell. Examples of functional fillers include, but are not limited to, flame retardants, ultraviolet (UV) protectants, chemical stabilizers, heat stabilizers, compatibilizers, plasticizers, and combinations thereof. The thermoplastic vulcanizate may include, for example, about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt% of the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate, such as about 0.2 wt% to about 4.5 wt%, about 0.3 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 0.4 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 0.5 wt% to about 3.5 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 2.5 wt%, or about 1.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

[0033] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate, the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises greater than 0.1 wt%, greater than 0.2 wt%, greater than 0.3 wt%, greater than 0.4 wt%, greater than 0.5 wt%, greater than 1 wt%, or greater than 2 wt% of functional fillers. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate, the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises less than 5 wt%, less than 4 wt%, less than 3.5 wt%, less than 3 wt%, less than 2.5 wt%, less than 2 wt%, or less than 1 wt% of functional fillers.

[0034] A. Example Implementation Plan

[0035] In some embodiments, the high-voltage component includes a part capable of operating in a high-voltage environment of about 25 kV to about 765 kV; and a housing that at least partially surrounds the part, the housing comprising a thermoplastic vulcanizate of silicone rubber and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0036] In some embodiments, the high-voltage component includes a part capable of operating in a high-voltage environment of about 1 kV to about 765 kV; and a housing that at least partially surrounds the part, the housing comprising a thermoplastic vulcanized rubber having about 30 wt% to about 50 wt% silicone rubber and about 30 wt% to about 50 wt% ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, wherein the wt% is based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber.

[0037] In some embodiments, the high-voltage component includes a part capable of operating in a high-voltage environment of about 1 kV to about 765 kV; and a housing that at least partially surrounds the part, the housing comprising a thermoplastic vulcanizate having about 25 wt% to about 35 wt% silicone rubber and about 60 wt% to about 80 wt% polyethylene, wherein the wt% is based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

[0038] In some embodiments, the high-voltage component includes a part capable of operating in a high-voltage environment of about 100 kV to about 765 kV; and a housing that at least partially surrounds the part, the housing being substantially composed of thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and optional functional fillers.

[0039] In some embodiments, the high-voltage component includes a part capable of operating in a high-voltage environment of about 1 kV to about 765 kV; and a housing that at least partially surrounds the part, the housing being substantially composed of thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and optional functional fillers, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber comprises about 30 wt% to about 80 wt% thermoplastic plastic and about 25 wt% to about 50 wt% elastomer, wherein the wt% is based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber.

[0040] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises about 40 wt% silicone rubber, about 40 wt% ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and about 20 wt% functional filler, by weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

[0041] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises about 28 wt% silicone rubber, about 70 wt% polyethylene and about 2 wt% functional filler, by weight.

[0042] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic vulcanizate is essentially composed of silicone rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and functional fillers.

[0043] 3. Methods for manufacturing high-voltage components

[0044] This document also discloses a method for manufacturing high-voltage components. As an initial step, the method may include providing a thermoplastic vulcanizate to the housing. Figure 3 An example method 200 for manufacturing thermoplastic vulcanizates is shown. Typically, the method includes melting a thermoplastic in step 210. The method further includes mixing the thermoplastic and elastomer in step 220 to provide a mixture. Then, in step 230, the mixture can be incorporated with any functional filler and / or curing agent. Then, in step 240, the mixture can be vulcanized (e.g., dynamic vulcanization – where mixing and crosslinking occur simultaneously), thereby at least partially crosslinking the elastomer to provide a thermoplastic vulcanizate. The vulcanization of the elastomer can occur during melt mixing at high temperatures, wherein the thermoplastic can be a semi-crystalline matrix phase. Furthermore, vulcanization can be performed with a crosslinking agent to produce a stable and durable rubber in the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

[0045] The method may also include processing thermoplastic vulcanizates, for example, by overmolding the thermoplastic vulcanizate to provide a housing on a high-voltage component. Overmolding results in the high-voltage component being at least partially surrounded by the thermoplastic vulcanizate housing. The overmolding process can be modified to surround different amounts of the high-voltage component at different thickness levels. Both the enclosure size and thickness of the housing can be adjusted according to application requirements. Furthermore, compared to conventionally used elastomers, thermoplastic vulcanizates allow for the manufacture of housings and their high-voltage components with significantly faster processing times.

[0046] In some implementations, an adhesive is applied to the surface of the component prior to the thermoplastic vulcanizate overmolding. The adhesive helps form a more stable interface between the housing and the high-voltage component. Examples of adhesives include, but are not limited to, epoxy-based adhesives and polyurethane-based adhesives.

[0047] The disclosed technology has multiple aspects, as illustrated by the following non-limiting embodiments.

[0048] 4. Example

[0049] Example 1

[0050] Examples of high voltage insulators

[0051] This article describes an exemplary method for manufacturing high-voltage insulators. First, a structural rod comprising epoxy resin and glass fiber (e.g., E-CR glass fiber) is manufactured using a pultrusion process. Next, stainless steel end fittings are crimped to the ends of the glass fiber rod using a crimping machine. Then, an epoxy resin-based adhesive is manually applied to the glass fiber rod. Finally, an outer shell material comprising 70% polyethylene, 28% silicone rubber, and 2% functional filler is overmolded onto the glass fiber rod in an injection molding machine.

[0052] For the sake of completeness, various aspects of this disclosure are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

[0053] Clause 1. A high-voltage component comprising: a part capable of operating in a high-voltage environment; and a housing at least partially surrounding said part, said housing comprising thermoplastic vulcanized rubber.

[0054] Clause 2. The high-voltage component as described in Clause 1, wherein the high-voltage environment is from about 1 kV to about 765 kV.

[0055] Clause 3. The high-voltage component as described in Clause 1 or 2, wherein the high-voltage environment is from about 100 kV to about 765 kV.

[0056] Clause 4. The high-voltage assembly according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber comprises thermoplastic and elastomer.

[0057] Clause 5. The high-voltage assembly according to Clause 4, wherein the thermoplastic is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0058] Clause 6. The high-voltage assembly according to Clause 5, wherein the thermoplastic is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or polyethylene.

[0059] Clause 7. The high-voltage assembly according to any one of Clauses 4-6, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises about 10 wt% to about 90 wt% thermoplastic plastic based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

[0060] Clause 8. The high-voltage assembly according to Clause 4, wherein the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of: silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPM), fluorosilicone rubber, polyvinylidene fluoride, natural rubber, and nitrile rubber.

[0061] Clause 9. The high-voltage assembly as described in Clause 8, wherein the elastomer is silicone rubber.

[0062] Clause 10. The high-voltage assembly according to any one of Clauses 4 and 8-9, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanizate contains less than 50 wt% elastomer based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

[0063] Clause 11. The high-voltage assembly according to any one of Clauses 4 and 8-10, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises about 10 wt% to about 90 wt% of elastomer based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

[0064] Clause 12. The high-voltage assembly according to any one of Clauses 4 and 8-11, wherein the elastomer is at least partially cured.

[0065] Clause 13. The high-voltage assembly according to any one of Clauses 4-12, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber comprises silicone rubber and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0066] Clause 14. The high-voltage assembly according to any one of Clauses 1-13, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber comprises a functional filler selected from the group consisting of: flame retardants, chemical stabilizers, UV protectants, heat stabilizers, compatibilizers, plasticizers, and combinations thereof.

[0067] Clause 15. A high-voltage assembly according to any one of Clauses 1-14, wherein the housing is recyclable.

[0068] Clause 16. A high-voltage assembly according to any one of Clauses 1-15, wherein said component is a surge arrester, transmission and distribution insulator, polymer circuit breaker, fuse, bushing, or circuit breaker.

[0069] Clause 17. The high-voltage assembly as described in Clause 16, wherein said component is a transmission and distribution insulator.

[0070] Clause 18. A high-voltage component comprising: a part capable of operating in a high-voltage environment; and a housing at least partially surrounding said part, said housing being substantially composed of thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and optional functional fillers.

[0071] Clause 19. A method of manufacturing a high-voltage component, the method comprising: providing a thermoplastic vulcanized rubber; and overmolding the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber onto a component capable of operating in a high-voltage environment.

[0072] Clause 20. The method according to Clause 19, wherein providing thermoplastic vulcanized rubber comprises mixing a thermoplastic and an elastomer to provide a mixture, and dynamically vulcanizing the mixture to provide thermoplastic vulcanized rubber.

[0073] Although some aspects have been described in detail with reference to certain example embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects described. Various features and advantages are set forth in the foregoing claims.

Claims

1. A high-voltage component, comprising: Components capable of operating in high-voltage environments; as well as A housing that at least partially surrounds the component, the housing comprising thermoplastic vulcanized rubber.

2. The high-voltage component according to claim 1, wherein the high-voltage environment is from about 1 kV to about 765 kV.

3. The high-voltage component according to claim 2, wherein the high-voltage environment is from about 100 kV to about 765 kV.

4. The high-voltage component of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber comprises thermoplastic and elastomer.

5. The high-voltage component of claim 4, wherein the thermoplastic is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

6. The high-voltage component according to claim 5, wherein the thermoplastic is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or polyethylene.

7. The high-voltage component of claim 4, wherein, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate, the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises about 10 wt% to about 90 wt% thermoplastic plastic.

8. The high-voltage component according to claim 4, wherein the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of: silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPM), fluorosilicone rubber, polyvinylidene fluoride, natural rubber, and nitrile rubber.

9. The high-voltage component according to claim 8, wherein the elastomer is silicone rubber.

10. The high-voltage component of claim 4, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanizate contains less than 50 wt% elastomer based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

11. The high-voltage component of claim 4, wherein, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate, the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises about 10 wt% to about 90 wt% of an elastomer.

12. The high-voltage component of claim 4, wherein the elastomer is at least partially cured.

13. The high-voltage component of claim 4, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber comprises silicone rubber and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

14. The high-voltage component of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic vulcanized rubber comprises a functional filler selected from the group consisting of: flame retardants, chemical stabilizers, UV protectants, heat stabilizers, compatibilizers, plasticizers, and combinations thereof.

15. The high-voltage assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is recyclable.

16. The high-voltage assembly of claim 1, wherein the component is a surge arrester, transmission and distribution insulator, polymer circuit breaker, fuse, bushing, or circuit breaker.

17. The high-voltage assembly of claim 16, wherein the component is a transmission and distribution insulator.

18. A high-voltage component comprising: Components capable of operating in high-voltage environments; as well as A housing that at least partially surrounds the component, the housing being substantially composed of thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and optional functional fillers.

19. A method for manufacturing a high-voltage component, the method comprising: Thermoplastic vulcanized rubber is available; as well as The thermoplastic vulcanized rubber is overmolded onto components that can operate in high-voltage environments.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises mixing the thermoplastic and the elastomer to provide a mixture, and dynamically vulcanizing the mixture to provide the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

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