Polymer concrete high voltage insulation: A decade of progress

Polymer concrete is a highly-filled composite material consisting essentially of a carefully graded mixture of coarse and fine aggregates and special fillers bound together by means of a low-viscosity organic resin system that is normally processed at room temperature. Nearly a decade of research and development with this material is now beginning to result in the adoption of high voltage insulators of polymer concrete for out-door applications. Many companies, big and small, are now showing a keen interest in polymer concrete technology for insulation and other electric utility applications. Field experience continues to be positive with polymer concrete insulators. Polymer concrete is proving to be highly competitive with cycloaliphatic epoxy and standard electrical porcelain. This paper reviews the development of polymer concrete for high voltage insulation applications and discusses the progress that has been made in the last decade with this truly versatile composite material.