Exploration of dielectric spectra of variously synthesized epoxy/ZnO nanocomposites

Abstract

Polymeric epoxy-based nanocomposites have rapidly developed in high energy density and power industry components. The composite insulation undergoes harsh extreme temperature conditions and a high electric field with varying frequencies. This paper dissects the components of complex permittivity in epoxy/ZnO nano and micro composites that were synthesized using different methods, utilizing dielectric spectroscopy as per ASTM D150. The performance of the composites was studied by analyzing the spectra over a frequency range spanning from 1 mHz to 1 kHz. We presume interfacial polarization arises in the composites due to particle clustering. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of varying filler concentration at 25, 50, 70, and 90 °C. The real permittivity positions the α-steps at 70 and 90 °C. The real and imaginary permittivities remain largely unpretentious by the synthesis method over the entire frequency range.