Preparation and insulation properties of epoxy-layered silicate nanocomposite [insulating material applications]

Herein, we report the insulation properties of an epoxy-layered silicate nanocomposite, prepared by dispersing modified layered silicates in an epoxy resin. This nanocomposite has an intercalated structure formed by the insertion of resin molecules into the spaces between each silicate layer, and it has higher insulation breakdown strength than that of an epoxy resin without layered silicate fillers. The electrical treeing progress, with many branches, in the nanocomposite seemed to result in an increase in insulation breakdown strength. These results suggest the possibility of their application as insulating materials in heavy apparatus.