Polymers as Core Materials in Power Engineering

A brief overview on the growing impact of polymers, in their di~erent forms, playing a critical role in the power transmission and distribution is presented. The selection criteria of conventional and specialty polymers as matrix material in power devices depends on their specific properties and the ability to mix with property enhancing additives under passive or active states of electrical stress. Recent advances on nanodielectrics are reviewed. The importance of polymers in switchgears, overhead lines, power cables, transformers and substations are indicated.