Nanostructured epoxy/POSS composites: High performance dielectrics with improved breakdown strength and corona resistance

In this work, the dielectric properties of epoxy/POSS composites with different contents of Glycidyl-POSS varying from 1 wt% to 5 wt% were investigated using Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) at 20 °C. Besides the known β-peak in the vicinity of 100 kHz, no additional loss peaks were found for the epoxy/POSS composites due to good dispersion of the additive in the epoxy matrix. Furthermore, the AC breakdown strength of the epoxy/POSS composites was found to be significantly improved compared to neat epoxy. Additionally, the resistance to electrical discharges has been remarkably improved as a function of POSS content.