Dielectric properties and partial discharge endurance of polypropylene-silica nanocomposite

This paper presents the results of the dielectric properties and partial discharge endurance measurements conducted on polypropylene (PP)-silica nanocomposite. The material compounds were analyzed with micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray tomography and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ac and dc breakdown strength of the materials was measured. Dielectric response, capacitance and loss factor of the film samples were measured as a function of temperature and frequency. Partial discharge (PD) endurance of the reference PP and PP Silica nanocomposite was studied as a function of ac voltage. Material surfaces were analyzed after PD stress with optical microscopy. All dielectric measurements were done for oriented thin films with a thickness of 11-23 μm. The results were analyzed statistically to determine the effects of the additive on the properties of PP. The paper discusses the potential of PP Silica nanocomposite with a view to high voltage applications, especially power capacitors.