Effect of nanoparticles on mechanical and electrical performance of porcelain insulator

Nanotechnology applications have shown remarkable growth in several industrial fields in the last years. Nowadays, there are a great number of nanotechnology concepts to enhance performance and reliability of conventional materials which have been successfully demonstrated. In this investigation, an innovative nanotechnology concept to improve the properties of electrical porcelain is proposed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of ceramic nanoparticles on physical, mechanical and dielectric behavior of a triaxial porcelain system consisting of kaolinitic clay, quartz and feldspar. Rod porcelain samples were produced by a conventional extrusion process and then sintered in an industrial kiln at a temperature between 1200 and 1300°C. Ceramic nanoparticles were added during mixing process as part of the raw materials of porcelain composition. Flexural and dielectric strength tests were carried out in fired porcelain samples. Microestructural analysis and phase identification were done by XRD and SEM. It was observed that nanoparticles were distributed into the vitreous phase of porcelain microstructure. Experimental results showed that nanoparticles improve mechanical and dielectric performance of the electrical grade triaxial porcelain.