Electric strength, space charge and surface discharge characterization of nanostructured epoxy-silicate insulating materials

A set of surface discharge ageing procedures, space charge observations and dielectric strength measurements has been implemented on a type of insulating nanofilled epoxy-resin (nanostructured by compatibilised synthetic layered silicates) and on its non-filled base resin. Promising improvements in the electrical behaviour of the nanofilled epoxy, particularly as concerns surface discharge endurance, were detected. Regarding space charge, it was found that its accumulation rate as a function of ageing time is lower for the nanostructured resin. Finally, the nanofilled material evidenced a highly homogeneous behaviour of the dielectric strength data distribution.