0000000000377327

AUTHOR

Gian Carlo Montanari

Space Charge Dynamics in Nanostructured Epoxy Resin

The results of a comparative analysis performed on specimens of nanostructured epoxy resins obtained by different filler concentrations are reported in this paper. The specimens were prepared by dispersion of bohemite nanoparticles into a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin cross linked under UV. Dielectric properties, in particular space charge accumulation, are measured as a function of nanofiller content. Results indicate that space charge build up and charge mobility are affected largely by filler content. Concentrations of nanofiller of 5-7 wt% show a significant decrease of the space charge with respect to the base epoxy-resin and an increased mobility of negative carriers .

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Electrical tree growth in EVA-layered silicate nanocomposites

This work deals with the growth of electrical treeing in different EVA-layered silicate nanostructured compounds. The experimental activity evidenced that the intercalated nanocomposites have longer lifetimes than pure EVA under the same constant AC stress conditions. A monitoring of the tree growth morphology allowed to evidence very interesting features of the intercalated nano-compounds showing a barrier effect to the treeing path. A preliminary investigation on the possible arrangement of the filler particles inside the matrix was also carried out.

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Model of ageing inception and growth from microvoids in polyethylene-based materials under AC voltage

Several degradation mechanisms may affect polymeric insulation system reliability. Some authors postulate that, even in a perfect dielectric, nanoscale cavities can enlarge due to various mechanisms (from mechanical fatigue to lowering of the degradation reaction energy barrier) up to a point where highly energetic phenomena, which bring about breakdown, can be incepted. Other authors are more focused on the inherent limits of manufacturing processes, which leave cavities within the insulation system whose size is large enough to cause electron avalanches, thus a measurable partial discharge (PD) activity, from the time the system is put in service or as a function of external factors (e.g.…

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Microscopic and nanoscopic EVA composite investigation: Electrical properties and effect of purification treatment

This work presents preliminary results of an investigation aiming at characterization of nanocomposite insulating materials. Focus is made on size and technological process effects, i.e. dependence of electrical properties on filler size, on polymer-nanofiller interaction (e.g. intercalation or exfoliation) and, in particular, on chemical purification procedures. The materials under investigation are (EVA) copolymer filled by layered micro and nanosized silicates consisting of montmorillonite and fluorohectorite, that is, natural and synthetic clays. Microstructural characterization, using transmission electron microscopy, TEM, and wide-angle X-ray spectroscopy, WAXS, and electrical measure…

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Electric strength, space charge and surface discharge characterization of nanostructured epoxy-silicate insulating materials

A set of surface discharge ageing procedures, space charge observations and dielectric strength measurements has been implemented on a type of insulating nanofilled epoxy-resin (nanostructured by compatibilised synthetic layered silicates) and on its non-filled base resin. Promising improvements in the electrical behaviour of the nanofilled epoxy, particularly as concerns surface discharge endurance, were detected. Regarding space charge, it was found that its accumulation rate as a function of ageing time is lower for the nanostructured resin. Finally, the nanofilled material evidenced a highly homogeneous behaviour of the dielectric strength data distribution.

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Dielectric spectroscopy analysis of EVA-silicate nanocomposite insulating materials

Nanocomposite materials show promising results for applications as electrical insulation. Among several materials presently under investigation, previous works indicate that polypropylene and ethylene-vinilacetate filled by nanosilicates present lower content of space charge and higher electric strength. However, efforts are needed to explain nanocomposite behaviour and characterize their electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. In this paper, the results of broad-band dielectric spectroscopy performed on ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer filled by layered micro and nanosized silicates are reported. The nanofillers consist of montmorillonite and fluorohectorite, that is, natural and syn…

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