Analyses of surface degradation of nano-filled polypropylene films through partial discharges & surface study

Literature indicates that introduction of Nano fillers into PP films will improve its electrical characteristics, such as the PD resistance, breakdown strength and loss factor [1]. Some dielectric properties of Nano filled polymers have shown remarkable improvements such as permittivity and space charge accumulation [2]. This research work investigates the effect of Nano fillers content on the PD resistance and Breakdown strength of the polypropylene films with 0%, 2% and 6% organoclay Nano fillers when the samples are subjected to Surface Discharges. The degree of erosion is quantified through microscopic and surface profilometer measurements that will help to figure out the resistance of the sample to surface discharges.