The Influence of Nanocomposite Filler on the Lifetime Performance of Polypropylene Under Voltage Polarity Reversal

Many researchers are investigating the feasibility of using polypropylene in HVDC cables. To understand the basic electrical properties of nanocomposite polypropylene, this work investigates the influence of nanostructuring on DC breakdown strength, life under periodic voltage polarity reversals and space charge accumulation properties. Preliminary results show that unfilled samples feature higher charge accumulation, lower breakdown strength, and shorter life than the nanocomposite counterpart. Based on these results, nanostructured dielectrics can give an important improvement in electrical insulation properties.