Dielectric properties of epoxy composites containing Si/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles

This work deals with the study of epoxy composites containing Si/SiO
₂
core/shell nanoparticles for insulation applications. Neat epoxy and epoxy based samples filled with micro and/or nanometric Si/SiO
₂
core/shell particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dielectric spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) as well as erosion and dielectric breakdown tests. Electron microscope observation showed a thin layer of sediment (20 μm) with higher concentration of Si/SiO
₂
on the surface of the composite. The results showed that the presence of Si/SiO
₂
core/shell nanoparticles somewhat improves resistance to erosion, dielectric properties, and thermal resistivity of the epoxy composite.