Partial discharge characteristics of nanosilica biopolymer under AC voltage

The dielectric properties of LDPE-NR biopolymeric insulating materials can be improved by adding the silica nanoparticles in a certain percentage of weight into the composite. In the present study, four types of bionanopolymeric samples were prepared. To each sample, the nanosilica particles with a weight percentage of 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and 6% a were added. To see the electrical characteristics, the four samples were placed under the AC high voltage for 1 hour and the partial discharge (PD) signals were recorded continouesly in that period of time. The results show that the number of positive and negative PD pulses for each silica sample after 60 minutes of testing was not the same for all samples. The that samples with a higher percentage of nano silica had fewer PD pulses. This indicates that nanosilica particles can improve the PD resistance of LDPE-NR insulation materials. (paper)