Graphite nanoplatelets filled silicone composites with novel electrical and dielectric properties

In the design of medium and low voltage equipment such as cable accessories, generator, motor end windings or bushings, issues with electrical field enhancement occur at interfaces between insulators and conductors, resulting in accelerated material ageing. The purpose of this paper is to present a novel dielectric composite material which has the properties to mitigate this local amplification. It is a functional dielectric which resistivity decreases by several orders with electric field from 1014 to 109 Ωm up to 1 kV mm−1 while the dielectric constant decreases from 15 to 12 in the 10–2–106 Hz range. This novel material is made with graphite nanoplatelets. It may be used as a resistive or capacitive field grading material in electrical applications.