Time-evolution of nanostructured epoxy resin degradation due to surface partial discharge activities

This paper deals with the investigation of partial discharge (PD) resistance of some epoxy-resin nanostructured materials. The base material is modified by inorganic nanofillers, i.e., silicates (SiO₂) and titanium oxide (TiO₂), with different filler content (ranging from 10 to 25 % in weight). Results coining from PD acquisition and surface erosion measurements carried out during aging tests allow some quantities to be extracted, which can be related to surface degradation due to PD. These results show that nanostructured materials, in general, can withstand better PD activity than the base material, particularly the one containing SiO₂ with 10% in weight.