An investigation into the aging of nanofilled Polypropylene through stochastic analyses of surface discharges

Introduction of nanofillers has shown to improve the Breakdown Strength of unaged Polypropylene (PP) films. However, subjecting these samples to aging by surface discharges will eliminate this advantage [1]. PP samples with 0%, 2% and 6% organosilicate nanofillers are aged continuously with surface discharges. Partial Discharges (PD) time history records obtained are analyzed within the framework of Time Series Analyses. This work has resulted in development of an algorithm to forecast the future trends of statistical parameters obtained by PD measurement system. Electric field distribution affects PD behavior which is confirmed by microscopic and profilometric study of degradation volume.