Surface resistivity of an insulator wetted by a liquid dielectric

The problem of surface resistivity of insulators arises in many electrical situations e.g. cables (end Leakage), capacitors (additional Losses), solid spacers in Liquids (reduction of dielectric strength) and generally speaking, in any system in which interphases are present. There are many studies devoted to surface behaviour of dielectrics in contact with air or water vapor, but no general physical interpretation is available. Studies on the surface effect when the solid is in contact with a Liquid dielectric are scarce. The aim of this communication is to present some results in this field and to emphasize how the standpoint of Interfacial Chemistry using the concept of the electrical double Layer, may be transposed to the field of insulator interfaces.