Resistance to surface partial discharges of LDPE nanocomposites

In this research work the behaviour of LDPE nanostructured compounds under the action of surface partial discharges (SPD) is investigated. Films of unfilled LDPE and of LDPE nanocomposites were subjected to the action of SPD by the application of an AC voltage. The breakdown of the film specimens was chosen as the endpoint criterion: the lifetimes of the nanocomposite materials were recorded and compared to the unfilled polymer. The nanocomposites show longer durations than unfilled LDPE under the same stress conditions.