Polymer concrete as a dielectric material a critical assessment of the state-of-the-art

Polymer concrete is a composite material that is gaining interest internationally for a wide variety of applications. By virtue of its relatively low cost, its castability at room temperature, its good mechanical and dielectric properties, this material is being considered for use in outdoor and indoor high voltage insulation applications. This paper traces the historical development of polymer concrete for dielectric applications, and critically discusses the research and development data presently available (including those published for Polysil, a trade-marked version of one type of polymer concrete developed under the auspices of the Electric Power Research Institute of Palo Alto, California). Deficiencies in technical information, which need to to be rectified before the electric utility industry can and will routinely accept polymer concrete as a low-cost alternative to porcelain and epoxy insulation, are discussed. New data on dielectric grade polymer concrete subjected to multiple stress conditions is to be made available during the oral presentation of this paper. Recommendations are put forth for further characterizing polymer concrete to facilitate its ready acceptance in the electric utility industry.