Protective layer of AL2O3 nanocomposites and surface composition after electrical stress

The performance of nanocomposites for improved resistance to electrical discharges has resulted in increased interest in nano-loaded thermosetting resins. First assessments of the performance of new systems can be obtained by a plate-electrode construction according to IEC(b). Epoxy resins loaded with different amounts of spherical alumina particles were tested following this procedure and parameters such as erosion depth and standardized volume analyzed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction using electron tomography were used to determine the particle size distribution. TEM analysis after preparation of the eroded samples indicates the advantages and disadvantages of using alumina nanoparticles to improve the erosion resistance and showed a novel effect of the surface-grafted polysiloxanes. A comparison with conventional nano-silica-loaded resins reveals that the lower sintering tendency of Al₂O₃ is important.