Structure and AC Breakdown Strength of Polypropylene/Ethylene-Octene Copolymer/Magnesium Oxide Nanocomposites

Due to the rapid advancement of recyclable materials used for insulating cables, polypropylene (PP) blended with elastomers has attracted much attention as an important technique in improving the mechanical properties of PP. However, the incompatibility between PP and elastomer can cause a decrease in electrical properties. This study explores the effect of 1 wt% of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanofiller on the structure and dielectric properties of PP blended with ethyleneoctene copolymer (EOC) at various elastomer amounts. The morphology, dielectric response, and breakdown strength of the materials are reported to illustrate changes in the structure and dielectric properties after the addition of the nanofiller. The results show that the MgO is homogenously dispersed in the PP/EOC blends and causes a change in permittivity values. The addition of the MgO also increases the breakdown strength of the PP/EOC blends. Based on the results, the PP/EOC/MgO nanocomposites hold a significant promise for the development of new recyclable power cable insulation materials