Tree initiation and growth in LDPE/MgO nanocomposites and roles of nano fillers

Processes of tree initiation and growth in LDPE/MgO nanocomposites were investigated by using optical and partial discharge (PD) detection methods. They can be divided into three stages depending on tree length. The first stage corresponds to the initial growth of about 10 ¿m and might be subtly affected by the filler content up to 1 phr. This might be influenced by Coulombic field formed around nano fillers. The second stage is interpreted as tree growth around 100 ¿m, and is suppressed by nano fillers up to 2 phr, where trees grow by colliding with nano fillers. The third stage leads to final breakdown at which tree lengths are of 1 mm order, and are retarded by nano fillers up to 10 phr, where PD erosion processes are involved.