Effects of SiO2 and TiO2 Nano Fillers in Enhancing the Insulation Breakdown Strength of Epoxy Nano Composite Dielectric under Divergent Electric Fields

Abstract

The proper mixing of nanoscale fillers in conventional dielectric materials leads to an enhancement in the breakdown strength and voltage endurance. In this study experimental investigations are carried out to compare the breakdown characteristics of epoxy nano-composites with that of a base epoxy resin under the influence of divergent electric fields so as to obtain inferences on its breakdown performances. This would in turn enable providing solutions to acquire more effective electrical insulation systems and explore the prospect of tapping the merits of utilizing the rapid strides made in field of fabrication of nano-dielectrics. The main objective is such studies are to enhance the electrical properties of the epoxy dielectric by employing nano-fillers such as SiO2, TiO2 etc. This research envisages the use of epoxy resin mixed with nano-fillers for ascertaining the ability of the nano-composite to be utilized as a dielectric/ insulator in power apparatus. The epoxy resin is mixed with appropriate proportion of SiO2 and TiO2 and experimentation is carried out under the influence of divergent electric fields. Classical breakdown voltage withstand tests such as AC power frequency, DC voltage, lightning impulse and switching impulse test is carried out on epoxy dielectrics (with and without nano-fillers) and the results are compared. In addition, a non-classical breakdown voltage test (high frequency high voltage) is also devised to analyze and ascertain the breakdown characteristics due to varying frequencies so as to investigate the possibility of utilizing such nano-composites in applications related to high speed switching devices.