Breakdown and electrical aging tests on different nanocomposite materials

This work presents the output of a short and medium term electrical characterisation performed on different nanocomposite materials obtained by the dispersion of inorganic nanoparticles into a matrix of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). Two nanofillers were adopted: sepiolite and montmorillonite. Both nanofillers belong to the family of silicate clay minerals but have different aspect ratio. The nanocomposites have been prepared by melt dispersion of sepiolite, montmorillonite and a mixture (2.5/2.5 wt%) of both in LDPE. The outcome evidences that the dispersion of a mixture of nanoparticles having different geometry could be an interesting approach in order to enhance the electrical properties of polymeric insulation.