The solid-liquid interface [dielectric liquids]

A major factor determining the insulating quality of a liquid under high electrical stress will be the nature of the interfaces between the liquid and the metal electrodes. In practical situations there will often be a solid dielectric layer interposed between the liquid and one or both the electrodes and in these cases there will be liquid/solid dielectric as well as solid dielectric/metal interfaces to consider. These interfaces are very important because in many instances they are the essential barriers controlling electron flow to or from the metal electrodes. This contribution to the review of liquid insulation is concerned with their electrical nature and the way in which they might exert influence on electrical breakdown