A Potential Substitute for Traditional Insulating Paper: Low-Ash Paper Processed From Natural Bamboo

Reducing large scale of insulating wood paper usage in electric power systems is critical for decarbonizing and achieving neat-zero emissions to address climate change. This requires low-carbon substitutes with excellent electrical insulating properties, high mechanical strength, and heat resistance. Herein, we proposed a feasible way to fabricate low-ash content bamboo paper through hydrochloric acid and magnesium salt processing. The monovalent cation contents are substantially reduced by replacement reaction; meanwhile, impurities, such as hemicellulose and lignin, being hydrolyzed, contributing to a higher crystallinity. The purified bamboo paper demonstrates both high mechanical strength, great thermal stability, and improved impregnation performance. Moreover, the fabricated epoxy/bamboo paper composites exhibit high electrical strength and low dielectric loss under power frequency, making it a comparable substitute for traditional insulating wood paper.