Epoxy based materials containing micro and nano sized fillers for improved electrical characteristics

In this paper the effect on dc and ac electrical properties of silica nano and micro particles dispersed in epoxy resins is discussed. In particular, space charge, conductivity, dielectric strength and partial discharge resistance is analyzed. The results show that nanostructured materials exhibit smaller space charge accumulation with respect to both base and microfilled materials. Regarding PD resistance, micro + nano filled materials display longer lifetimes with respect to base epoxy resin and materials including nanofillers or microfillers alone.