Nanodielectric surface performance when submitted to partial discharges in compressed air

Bulk samples of a nanodielectric material were synthesized. This insulating material consisted of a mix of epoxy resin, a SiO/sub 2/ load and a percent fraction of inorganic nanoparticles. The aim of the present experiment was to determine the performance of the nanodielectric surface when exposed to partial discharges as compared to that of an epoxy containing only the micrometric SiO/sub 2/ load. A discharge situation featuring a triple-junction condition was used. Low-intensity discharges were produced along a gap formed by the interface between compressed air and the bulk sample. The material containing a small amount of nanoparticles was found to resist much more the present discharge conditions, showing an improved performance as compared to that observed in the case of the epoxy without nanoclay.