Electrical Characterization of Dibenzyltoluene Liquid at High Temperatures up to 350°C

Electrical breakdown properties of Dibenzyltoluene (DBT) are investigated over wide temperature range (from room temperature up to 350°C), and under pressure variation <; 1 kPa to 200 kPa). The purpose is to investigate the suitability of DBT as potential insulating material for high temperature applications, such as encapsulant in high temperature power electronics modules. Measurements were carried out using a special high temperature test cell, under nitrogen atmosphere. Sphere-sphere electrodes and voltage ramp were used. Results show some reduction of breakdown voltage at high temperature, down to 58.2% at 350°C. A similar effect is observed when pressure is reduced. This reduction occurs when the liquid approaches boiling conditions, hence facilitating the appearance of vapor bubbles.