Role of the Interface in Improving Surface Degradation Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites

It is widely accepted that the interface between polymer and filler particles plays a major role in modifying composite properties, both electrical and otherwise. In this work, we examine the role of the interface in affecting a particular electrical characteristic of the nanocomposite, viz. its resistance to surface degradation. Dielectric materials with improved resistance to surface discharges would help in ensuring better performance and greater reliability of apparatus in service. This paper takes a comprehensive look at the recent work by the authorsin this area, and tries to understandthe role of the interface in this context. Two essential features emerge. Increase in the interfacial zone at the expense of the bulk polymer imparts better degradation resistant properties to the composite specimen andtailoring of the chemical bond structure at the interface leads to further improvement.