Synthesis and Characterization of Acrylic Resin/Kaolin Composites for Dielectric Applications

Abstract

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of acrylic resin/kaolin composites for dielectric applications. Acrylic resin, while widely used for its mechanical strength and ease of processing, exhibits limited dielectric properties, which restrict its use in high-performance electrical insulation. To address this, varying concentrations (0–70%) of raw kaolin, containing 71% kaolinite, were incorporated into an acrylic resin matrix to enhance its dielectric strength and thermal stability. Characterization techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dielectric spectroscopy were used to analyze the molecular structure, morphology, thermal behavior, and dielectric properties of the resulting composites. The study found that with up to 30% kaolin, the composites demonstrated good dielectric performance and thermal resistance, with good particle dispersion and minimal agglomeration. However, beyond 30% filler content, the dielectric and mechanical properties began to decline drastically. The results suggest that these composites could be potentially used for moderate dielectric applications such as insulators and capacitors.