Electrical tree growth simulation in nanocomposite polymers: The role of nanoparticles and homocharges

The addition of nanometric size particles in a polymer matrix results in the creation of a polymer nanocomposite with different behavior and improved dielectric properties than the base polymer. In case of tree appearance in a polymer nanocomposite, the nanoparticles delay the tree propagation by changing its path. Except for nanoparticles, space charges, and particularly homocharges, play a significant role for the tree behavior. Treeing phenomena have been investigated using a simulation model, in order to evaluate the influence of nanoparticles and homocharges to tree propagation.