New liquids, applications and advanced experimental methods

Two new families of insulating liquids are considered together with their potential use. The first comprises synthetically produced organic fluids, such as phenyl xylene ethane, while the second comprises perfluorinated hydrocarbons and polyethers. The outstanding features of these liquids are reviewed and their peculiar characteristics are discussed in conjunction with the more advanced performance characteristics required by different devices. Special attention is also given to their compatibility with other materials and the environment. Some advanced experimental methods used for evaluating the electrical properties of these liquids are also reviewed. The need for gaining a detailed knowledge of the phenomena leading to failure is considered, and possible means of modifying the liquids´ properties to overcome premature failure are considered