Nanocomposites for high voltage applications: effect of sample preparation on AC breakdown statistics

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in nanocomposites. By incorporating a few percent of nanoparticles into a host resin, it is possible to achieve improved properties. However, careful processing is required to overcome agglomeration so that the nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed throughout the matrix. In this study, the behaviour of 3 systems based upon polyethylene and a montmorillonite (MMT) clay has been compared. The thermodynamic interactions between the polymer and clay have been explored along with the effect of the MMT on the evolution of polymer morphology. Finally, ramp breakdown measurements have been made to investigate the effect of the MMT on breakdown strength.