Influence of Nanoparticles on Surface Discharge in Epoxy Based Dielectrics

Surface discharge phenomenon in epoxy alumina nanocomposites have been investigated here, by way of preparing epoxy nanocomposites containing alumina nanoparticles in different weight proportions of 1%, 2% and 5% and subjecting them to electrical ageing for a predetermined duration. The partial discharge patterns at intervals of 4 hours have been recorded for those insulator samples and the pure epoxy sample. Then the extent of degradation of those insulator samples has been brought out using the analysis technique known as Optical Surface Profilometry. The extent of degradation due to surface discharge is seen to be decreasing considerably with increase in filler loading.