Recent Advances in Cross-linked Polyethylene-based Nanocomposites for High Voltage Engineering Applications: A Critical Review

• Published in: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
• Main Author: Thomas J.; Joseph B.; Jose J.P.; Maria H.J.; Main P.; Ali Rahman A.; Francis B.; Ahmad Z.; Thomas S.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 2019
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85075635902&doi=10.1021%2facs.iecr.9b02172&partnerID=40&md5=e5dce78fcf84243d181489346700e1d5

Scientific advancements in the field of high-power transmission and distribution of electrical energy revolutionized the field of high-performance polymer-based electrical insulation systems. Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and its nanocomposites have gained substantial attention in the area of insulation, and these materials play a prodigious role in the arena of cable insulation. This paper includes various strategies for cross-linking PE coupled with different nanofillers to enhance the electrical insulation properties to attain high power transmission. It summarizes the significance of SiO2-, alumina-, TiO2-, and MgO-based XLPE nanocomposites as potential candidates for insulation in high voltage cables, electrical chips, and transistors and boron nitride-based XLPE nanocomposites for thermal insulation applications. Major challenges in dielectric insulation for cables, like partial discharge, space charge accumulation, water trees, volume resistivity, and DC breakdown strength, are addressed. © 2019 American Chemical Society.