Alumina and silica based epoxy nano-composites for electrical insulation

Plain epoxy resins or resin impregnated cellulose have found application as electrical insulation in power equipment. In the past, their performance was improved by the use of inorganic oxide fillers of microscopic dimensions. In the recent past nano-particle doped epoxy insulation came into use with a view to further enhance the dielectric properties. This paper reports dielectric investigations into epoxy nano-composites based on a class of metal oxides, Al₂O₃ and SiO₂. In particular, consideration has been given to the partial discharge performance and electrical breakdown under different voltage profiles as a function of the volumetric composition of the nano-particles in epoxy resin.