Basic electrical processes in dielectric liquids

The basic processes of electrical conduction in dielectric liquids are reviewed, attention being drawn to the similarities between conductive electrolytes and insulating liquids. The concepts of the electronic amorphous solid state are employed to provide a framework for the review. The conditions at metal electrodes can be incorporated naturally into the scheme, and it is known that the space charge layers occurring on them can control conduction. Although electrical breakdown itself is not considered, the underlying electronic processes which will develop when breakdown electrical fields exist in the liquid are considered