A new polyvinyl chloride cable insulation using micro and nano filler materials

The dielectric strength of cable insulation depends on many factors such as the existence of filler material in the insulation. In this work, laboratory studies on a new filler material for cable insulation have been conducted. The influence of calcium carbonate and bentonite fillers on the dielectric strength of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cable were analyzed. Polymer structure was changed during the processing and influence in the dielectric properties. Those specimens produce from both formulations were tested on dielectric strength under alternating current stress. The analysis result was further characterized on scanning electron microscope (SEM) and density for further confirmation. Dispersion of the filler is examined by using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) while the density of specimens is measured by density meter. Comparison is made between the result of measurement and the actual density of the specimens. From the results, it is shown that the filler material has improved the dielectric strength of the cable insulator.