A Model for Nano-composite Polymer Dielectrics under Electrical Stress

A simple model is used to explain the characteristics of nano-composite polymer dielectrics under high fields. The important, indeed dominant, role of the particle-polymer interface in determining the proportion of unmodified polymer matrix available to normal conduction is emphasised. By considering the specific conditions for a titanium dioxide / polyethylene composite, it is shown how the combination of particle and polymer interface entities can act as distributed electron-hole recombination centres.