Novel polymer insulating surfaces for electromagnets

The electrical characteristics of condensed layers of propyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS) on iron oxide substrates have been investigated using a novel testing apparatus developed in this laboratory. The insulating nature of these surfaces as a function of applied load and voltage has been investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy have been used to characterise the uniformity of the PTMS layers. By combining the results of the electrical tests with the surface analytical results, the optimum conditions for deposition have been established. The data indicate that these deposited PTMS layers remain electrically insulating under effective electrical fields in excess of 6 MV m−1 and under effective point loads in excess of 3 GPa.