Progress, understanding and challenges in the field of nanodielectrics

Abstract

The field of nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most active technological areas worldwide, and interest in nanodielectrics has grown rapidly as a potential new generation of HV insulating materials with unique properties. Experimental progress in this field and the challenges facing practical implementation will be commented. A wide range of materials (largely nanofillers in a polymer matrix or intercalated or exfoliated layered natural or synthetic inorganics within a polymer matrix) are being evaluated by universities and industry, and several significant improvements in important electrical, mechanical, physical, and thermal properties were confirmed. This suggests that a number of HV insulation applications could benefit from such materials. However, some limitations have been identified which need to be understood and corrected or accommodated. The role of the nano-inorganic-polymer interface (dielectric and electronic properties, space charge mitigation, band-gap and charge injection effects, and morphology effects) will be considered. Based on this analysis, the ultimate potential that might be realized via nanodielectrics will be envisaged.