Improving Epoxy-based Insulating Materials with Nano-fillers toward Practical Application

A primary concern in recent nanocomposite research is practical application. In this study, various kinds of epoxy-based nanocomposites were made and their properties evaluated to determine their applicability as insulating materials for heavy electric apparatuses. Experimental results demonstrated that nano-fillers enhance insulation breakdown properties in nanocomposites. Moreover, nano- and micro-filler combinations were adopted as an approach toward practical application of nanocomposite insulating materials. These nano- and micro- filler mixed composites had the same low thermal expansion as aluminum, and insulation breakdown properties superior to those of conventional insulating materials. Consequently, an aluminum conductor and a vacuum interrupter were molded by the nano- and micro-filler mixed composites for the first time in nanocomposite research.