Frequency Accelerated Partial Discharge Resistance of Epoxy/Clay Nanocomposite Prepared by Newly Developed Organic Modification and Solubilization Methods

Frequency accelerated partial discharge degradation of epoxy nanocomposite with 5 wt % additions of clay (layered silicate) was evaluated by a rod-to-plane electrode system, and investigated in comparison with that of epoxy without clay. Comparisons were made as to erosion depth using a laser surface profilometer. It was found that the change in the erosion depth is far smaller in specimens with clay than those without clay. It was also found that the solubilization method using acid anhydride curing agent seems to give PD resistance characteristics superior to the organic modification method using amine and acid anhydride curing agents and even to the solubilization method using amine curing agent.