Dielectric properties and partial discharge endurance of polypropylene-silica nanocomposite

• Published in: IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation Vol. 17; no. 4; pp. 1259 - 1267
• Main Authors: Takala, M, Ranta, H, Nevalainen, P, Pakonen, P, Pelto, J, Karttunen, M, Virtanen, S, Koivu, V, Pettersson, M, Sonerud, B, Kannus, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.08.2010; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Conducting materials; Dielectric loss measurement; Dielectric materials; Dielectric measurements; Dielectric properties; Dielectrics; Durability; Endurance; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Optical films; Optical materials; Partial discharge measurement; Partial discharges; Polypropylenes; Silicon compounds; Transmission electron microscopy
• ISSN: 1070-9878; 1558-4135; 1558-4135
• DOI: 10.1109/TDEI.2010.5539698

This paper presents the results of the dielectric properties and partial discharge endurance measurements conducted on polypropylene (PP)-silica nanocomposite. The material compounds were analyzed with micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray tomography and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ac and dc breakdown strength of the materials was measured. Dielectric response, capacitance and loss factor of the film samples were measured as a function of temperature and frequency. Partial discharge (PD) endurance of the reference PP and PP Silica nanocomposite was studied as a function of ac voltage. Material surfaces were analyzed after PD stress with optical microscopy. All dielectric measurements were done for oriented thin films with a thickness of 11-23 μm. The results were analyzed statistically to determine the effects of the additive on the properties of PP. The paper discusses the potential of PP Silica nanocomposite with a view to high voltage applications, especially power capacitors.