The influence of fluorine atoms on the electric strength of liquids

It is well known that fluorinated gases have a higher electric strength than air or nitrogen, and it is generally accepted that these high values are related to the electro-negative properties of the fluorine atom. Free electrons are readily trapped by fluorine, and so are eliminated from the accelerating process caused by the electric field. This results in a relatively high breakdown strength. It would be interesting to know whether, in fluorocarbon liquids, the same mechanism is active. If the effect of the fluorine atom is as beneficial as in gases, these liquids might find an attractive application as insulating liquids, for the impregnation of lapped synthetic insulation in EHV cables.