The usage of nonwoven nanofibers for improving properties of electrical insulation

The nonwovens and nanofibers as a new material for possible improving properties of electrical insulation are introduced in this paper. Nanofibers were used to modify a commonly used two-component like mica-based high voltage electrical insulating material. The tested material in the form of resin-rich sheets was modified using a various number of layers (1, 2 and 3) of the nanofibers made from Polyamide 6 (PA6) in the various surface densities (1, 2 and 3 g·m
⁻²
). Specimens were manufactured at increased temperature and pressure. The volume resistivity, voltage dependence of dissipation factor and mechanical properties were tested. The structure of the nanofibers was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the manufactured composites were analyzed under optical microscopy. Obtained results showed that composites with layers of nonwoven nanofibers are characterized by lower values of dissipation factor at electric field intensity greater than 5 kV/mm when the partial discharge activity starts to occur. Mechanical tests showed that while the Young's modulus of the modified composites notably increased (of about 27 – 43.5 %), flexural strength stayed on the same values as unmodified composites.