Enhanced switching electric field and breakdown strength of epoxy composites with core‐shell silicon carbide nanoparticles

Abstract Silicon carbide (SiC) is widely used to improve the non‐linear conductivity of non‐linear resistive field grading composite. In this paper, the SiC nanoparticles are modified into core‐shell nanoparticles with silica (SiO 2 ) coating on the surface and are characterised by transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. The 7 wt% SiC@SiO 2 /epoxy nanocomposite is then prepared, and the pure epoxy and 7 wt% SiC/epoxy nanocomposite are prepared as a contrast. The relative permittivity, thermally stimulated current, conductivity and breakdown strength are studied, respectively. The presence of SiO 2 shell around SiC nanoparticles has a great effect on the relative permittivity and trap distribution. The epoxy nanocomposites show non‐linear conductivity characteristics, compared with pure epoxy. The 7 wt% SiC@SiO 2 /epoxy nanocomposite has higher switching electric field and breakdown strength than the 7 wt% SiC/epoxy nanocomposite, which is helpful for the application of non‐linear resistive field grading composite in higher‐voltage equipment or components.