Understanding Dielectric Materials
Understanding Dielectric Materials
Chapter 3
Dielectric Materials
3.1 Definition
A material is dielectric if it does not contain electric charges that can be displaced.
move on a macroscopic scale. In other words, it is a medium that cannot conduct current
electric. For this reason, it is sometimes called an electric insulator. It has a very high resistivity: 108à
1016A dielectric material is characterized from an electrical point of view by its constant
dielectric (permittivity).
A dielectric:
✓ Allows to describe the ease of polarizing in the presence of an electric field.
✓ It is a material designed to prevent electrical conduction between elements.
drivers.
✓ It is a material with low electrical conductivity that is practically negligible.
One can distinguish an insulator from a conductor using a conductimeter.
The conductivity meter consists of a battery connected to a lamp and two contact points. When
The contact points touch a conductor, the electrons flow and the lamp lights up.
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
drowned in this dielectric by capacity Cvfrom the same configuration of electrodes in the vacuum:
εr(Cx/ Cv).
Most polymers have relative dielectric permittivities between 2 and 4.
at industrial frequencies. For air or vacuum, εr1. For all other insulators, εr> 1.
✓ Permittivity of some polar solids:
Neoprene: r6.7 Nylon: r8 Bakelite r= 5 ~ 6
Glass: r= 5 ~ 7 Mica : r6 Porcelain r= 5 ~ 6
Rubbers: rranges between 2.5 and 35.
✓ Permittivity of some polar liquids:
Alcohol: r25.8 Glycerin: r= 47 Water: r= 80
Mineral oils: r= 2 ~ 2.5 (depends on impurities).
✓ Permittivity of gases:
Due to their low density, their permittivities are very close to 1.
Table 1: Relative dielectric constant of some materials
Air dry 1
Paper 2
Polyester 3.3
PVC, Glass 5
Sodium chloride 6.12
Bakelite 6
Polystyrene (Styroflex) 2.3
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) 2
Polymonochlorotrifluoroethylene (PCFTE) 2.3 to 2.8
Polyethylene terephthalate (Polyester, Mylar) 3.1
Special paper for capacitor (KRAFT) 4.5
Mica 5 to 6
Barium Titanates and Zirconates 500 to 15000
The absolute permittivity ε is the product of the relative permittivity εrby the permittivity of
video0. ε = εr* ε0
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
✓ Gas
Air 3 kV/mm
F6 8 kV/mm
SI d SId
S= S=
You too r U L
The figures above are only principle diagrams.
3.4.4 Dielectric loss angle and dissipation factor (tangent delta, tg(δ))
The loss angle δ is defined as the complementary angle of the phase shift between the
tension U between the conductors and the leakage current I passing through the insulator. The loss factor can
to be expressed from the active power, P, and reactive power, Q:
cosα Itot cosα P
tgδ = ctgα = = =
sinα U Itot sinα Q
With:
δ: angle of loss;
a: phase shift between the voltage U applied to the conductors
and the leakage current Itotpassing through the insulation.
Iuntil= I c + I G
I c = jwCU
U
I G=
R
wCU 1 1
tg = = wRC tg = =
U wRC
R
The value tgδ is called the dielectric dissipation factor.
The loss angle characterizes the quality of an insulator:
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
Hz
E: effective value of the electric field (in V/cm).
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
d p.r P.r
V= dV= = dv
v
4 0r 3 4 0r 3
Uniform polarization case:
r r
V= P. dv = P.J Uniform, from where: J= dv
4 0r 3 4 0 r3
Let it be: )
(0 E+ [Link]= QWe define the vector: D= 0 E+ P [C.m-2called displacement vector
S
electricwhat.
Like P= 0 and
Eon then D= 0 and
E+ 0 E= 0 (1+ e)E
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
The application of an electric field induces movements of charge carriers. The effect
this movement is called induced polarization. Michael Faraday in 1837 was the first to
discover the effect of dielectric polarization. From a microscopic point of view, one can relate
the amplitude of the wave at the dipole created via the notion of polarizability α, which is a characteristic
Always present, due to the displacement and deformation of the electron cloud in relation to
positive nucleus, under the action of a field E. in this case, polarization occurs rapidly during
a brief moment (around 10-15remains active up to optical frequencies (1015Hz). She
occurs in atoms and ions, having a value of
P=
e
N and
EI
Where N is the number of atoms or molecules per unit volume to the polarizability
e
Due to the movement of atoms or ions in the material structure. In this case,
It is the ion as a whole that will oscillate with the electric field. The ion has much inertia.
larger than that of an electron, which brings the limits of this contribution towards the lows
frequencies (1011Hz). The time required for this movement, in order to ensure polarization is
of the order of 10-12a 10-13If we superimpose an electric field, the atoms move relative to each other.
relationship with others giving rise to an atomic polarization expressed by the equation:
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
P=
a
N a Ei
abeing the atomic polarizability. For organic compounds, Pa is on the order of 5 to 10%
Element H He Li Be C No Na A
αa 0.73 0.23 13 10 1.7 0.49 30 1.8
The electronic and ionic polarizations in both cases involve displacement of.
charges (and not rotation) in the direction of the electric field.
This is the case for materials that are already microscopically polarized from the outset, this
polarization is only sensitive to frequencies close to 108The dipoles orient themselves according to the
direction of the applied electric field. In the absence of a field, the dipoles are oriented in a way
disordered, in such a way that the overall polarization is practically zero. If we superimpose a
constant electric field, each dipole is subjected to a couple creating a resultant polarization
in the direction of the field. The value of the orientation polarization is given by the relationship:
m2
P=
O
N EI
3KT
setting the dipole moment vector, K the Boltzmann constant, T the temperature (in Kelvin).
this linear) : P= 0 E
and
With:
ε0the permittivity of free space
χdimensionless number called the electric susceptibility of the dielectric.
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
The distribution of these induced dipoles is described by a vector field called vector
Polarization. Polarization corresponds to the vector sum of all dipoles per unit of
volume. The unit of polarization is C/m2It is the unit of charge density.
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
According to other procedures (French standard NF C 15-100), the measurement of current is done at 30.
Linear dielectrics are characterized by a linear relationship between polarization and the
displacement with the electric field.
P = ε0x E
D = ε0εrE
For certain 'non-linear' materials, these relationships are no longer linear, the permittivity
depends then on the field E. This type of dielectric is used in certain specific applications.
There are several types of nonlinear dielectrics:
It is the most typical nonlinear dielectric, apart from the dependence on permittivity.
depending on the field, there are:
✓ Hysteresis phenomenon under the action of an alternating voltage between D and E identical to
the magnetic hysteresis between B and H;
✓ Very high values of permittivity;
✓ Variation of its parameters depending on the temperature;
✓ Presence of spontaneous polarization without the application of an external field.
3.12.3 Electrets
An electret is a dielectric material that preserves its polarization for a long time.
after the external electric field that caused this polarization is removed, and which has installed a
electrostatic field in the surrounding space.
The electret creates an electric field in the same way that a magnet bar creates one.
magnetic field.
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
All dielectrics can be divided into two categories: Polar dielectrics and
non-polar dielectrics. The total charge in a molecule is zero, but
The arrangement (the structure) of these charges may differ from one material to another. The centers
of gravity can coincide or not coincide:
✓ In the 1er Case: the molecule is nonpolar.
✓ In the 2emecase: the molecule (and thus the matter in question) is said to be polar. Even in
In the absence of an external electric field, the molecule has a dipole moment.
It is clear that molecules arranged in a symmetrical way (which have a center of
symmetry) are non-polar as long as the centers of gravity of the positive and negative charges
coinciding with the center of symmetry. On the other hand, asymmetric molecules are polar.
Insulators are classified into three types: solids, liquids, and gases.
✓ The glass, used to make high voltage line insulators, glass fibers, resist
to heat and chemical agents.
✓ Ceramics, widely used for electrical post equipment, used in
overhead line and antenna insulators, HF and UHF inductance supports,
HF capacitors, piezoelectric components;
✓ Most plastics, especially polyethylene in its cross-linked form (XLPE) and
PVC, both used for cables;
✓ Polypropylene, used particularly in capacitors.
✓ Mica, which is hardly used anymore in the electrotechnical industry, Used
for high-temperature insulation of power component radiators (sheets of
mica) ;
✓ Bakelite, once widely used for low voltage electrical equipment;
✓ Teflon, used for some parts of high voltage circuit breakers;
✓ The paper impregnated with mineral oil is used to form the insulation of transformers;
✓ Papers: cellulose extracted from wood or alfa. Impregnated with liquid diacetate to prevent
water absorption, they are used in dry transformers and capacitors;
✓ Textiles: cotton, natural silk, synthetic fibers. Ribbons, fabrics for insulation, of
small diameter conductors, coils, cable winding;
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
✓ Rubber: natural resin, latex from the rubber tree. Insulation of conductors and cables.
Liquid insulators have the advantage of regenerating after a breakdown; they are used
also by convection or evaporation cooling (liquid insulators generally have
a good thermal conductivity). They are used alone or they impregnate a solid insulator whose
they fill the gaps
✓ Mineral oil, used in transformers, circuit breakers, capacitors and
cables. Risk of hot oxidation in the presence of oxygen;
✓ Chlorinated oils: non-flammable (no risk of fires), used for the
transformers, circuit breakers, capacitors;
✓ Silicone oil: resistant to high temperatures, high price;
✓ Varnish: These are combinations of resin + solvent + drying agent. Used for impregnation.
of windings.
✓ Vegetable oil, recent innovation in dielectric insulation in transformers
electric, plasticizing in the production of varnishes and resins;
✓ Pyralene (PCB), formerly used in transformers, but since banned in the
most countries due to its toxicity;
✓ Pure water. While water is usually conductive, perfectly pure water is a very
good insulator. The difficulty of keeping water very pure (without any impurities) makes everything
difficult industrial use;
✓ Liquid nitrogen and liquid helium allow for the isolation of superconducting components at very
low temperature
✓ The dry air, which has the advantage of being abundant, is the most used at pressure.
atmospheric or under pressure. Compressed at 10 bars, its dielectric strength is 225
kV/mm; at atmospheric pressure it is only 3 kV/mm. Insulation of the lines
airborne, pneumatic circuit breakers, air capacitors.
✓ Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which under pressure has better dielectric strength than
air;
✓ Dinitrogen, which is not as insulating as SF6 but, being present in the air, has no effect.
harmful to the environment in case of a leak;
✓ Nitrogen is chemically neutral. Transformers in a nitrogen atmosphere under pressure,
high voltage cables, surge protectors;
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
✓ Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) has good dielectric strength: 7.5 kV/mm, 5 times
heavier than air, colorless, odorless, non-toxic. Arc extinguishing device
electric in the HV circuit breakers.
✓ Hydrogen has a high thermal conductivity, cooling of electric machines.
high power, problem: risk of explosion, requires good sealing.
An insulator placed between two conductors can be simplified modeled by the circuit
following equivalent:
C: represents the capacity between the two conductors;
R is the insulation resistance of the insulator,
she is always ≥ 1012Ω.
The permittivity and the measured dielectric dissipation factor of a material are affected
by various external or internal physical parameters such as frequency, temperature, intensity of
electric field, humidity, and chemical.
3.16.1 Frequency
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
3.16.2 Temperature
The degree of polarization is increased by the absorption of water or the formation of a film.
water at the surface of the dielectric, which affects the permittivity, the dissipation factor and the
conductivity in direct current.
The degree of polarization is increased by the absorption of water or the formation of a film.
water at the surface of the dielectric, which affects the permittivity, the dissipation factor and the
conductivity in direct current. The conditioning of the samples is, in fact, of a
the capital importance and the regulation of humidity levels, both before and during the test, is
indispensable for the correct interpretation of test results. The degree of polarization depends
also impurities introduced by physical contamination or by chemical ingredients, by
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
examples solvents or plasticizers. Therefore, we must ensure that the material to be tested is
not affected or only affected in a known way by the sampling operations of test tubes or well
by treatments applied afterwards, for example at high temperatures.
The direction of the polarization vector of the electromagnetic field relative to the structure
The test tube has a strong influence on the measurement result. Measurement results.
different results can be obtained due to a lack of homogeneity (as in laminates) or of
anisotropy, for example in the case of crystals, unless all measurements on the samples
are made in a way that they relate to an identifiable characteristic of the material.
Test tubes having the same chemical composition but different chemical structures.
different like curable resins subjected to different curing conditions
or polymers polymerized to different degrees will also yield different results.
✓ During polarization, the charges are put into motion but can never leave.
the molecule. On the other hand, conduction is the movement of charges over large
distances, which release and leave the particles.
✓ Conduction in dielectrics is practically ensured by the impurities present.
in the insulation and not due to its base structure.
✓ Polarization can therefore be represented as a large number of charges moving.
over three very short distances, without ever leaving the molecules.
✓ While conduction in dielectrics is like the displacement of a small amount
of charges but over large distances. polarization can be considered as a
elastic movement. When the effect of the external electric field disappears, the charges
return to their initial position, which never happens for conduction.
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
✓ While conduction occurs as long as the direct current voltage is applied, the
Polarization occurs only during the application or removal of voltage.
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
Bibliography
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
Annex
Table 1 classification of dielectrics based on temperature
Y90°C cotton, silk, paper and derivatives, acetate fiber, wood, No agglomeration or impregnation materials. Class low.
max polyéthylène, polystyrène, PVC, Caoutchouc used.
Class Y insulators impregnated with a dielectric
liquid.
Varnished cloth
Resin-based varnish Resin-based varnish
varnished paper
A105°C natural
max Laminated wood Phenolic resins Insulating oils
cellulosic solutions
Enamels with polyamide resins
Polyester resins
Acetate film
Vinyl resin enamels
Polyurethane, epoxy
E120°C Molded resins with cellulosic filler
Melanin resins
max Cotton, paper laminated
Polyester resins
Cellulose or polyethylene film
Asbestos, fiberglass, formal resin glazes,
polyvinyl
Asphalts
Impregnated glass fabric Resin-based varnish
Synthetic resin with
B130°C Impregnated asbestos synthetic and oil
oil
max
Mica agglomerated Epoxy synthetic resins Polyester resins
Epoxy resins
Laminate or fiberglass fabric
Melanin resins
Asbestos laminate
Fiberglass
Asbestos
Impregnated glass fabric
F155°C
Impregnated asbestos
max Alkyl resins, epoxies, polyesters, polyurethanes
Mica agglomerate
Silicone - alkyls
Laminated or fiberglass fabric
Asbestos sheet
Fiberglass
Polytetrafluoroethylene (250°C)
Stable silicone resin
C Agglomerated mica up to 225°C
180°C Glass or treated asbestos fabric
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
DESIGNATION
PROPERTIES JOBS
kg/m N/ kV/
UNITES 3 °C m
2 mm
6 Agglomerated to
resins from:
MICA 100 to
3000 200 1013 à Very high rigidity mica sheets, ribbons
Thin sheets in the state 200
dielectric micaces,
natural 7 micafolium
Line insulators
GLASS Great resistance aerial
2500 is greater than 180
1010 à 25 to
6
Silica sand + lime + 1017 45 mechanical but very
Fiber and fabrics of
solder fragile
glass
Support of
1800 resistances. Insulator
ASBESTOS good resistance to the
à >180 109 3 2 of drivers. In
Calcium silicate heat and to the fire but
2200 plaques, ribbons,
magnesia fears humidity
cordons
Posts, boards,
600 to
WOODS 105 140 104 5 9 moldings, wedges
900 Very light. Inexpensive
Imbued with Bakelite insulators, panels
Imbued ribbons
for high cables
PAPER 800 to 70 to 1010 à 60 to
60 6 Very sensitive to tension. Cartons,
Agglomerated cellulose and 1300 120 1016 80
humidity. flexible ribbons, products
impregnated
stratified
Strip products
Elastic. Attacked by
rubber 20 to or molded. Insulation
960 60 32 1014 3 the oils.
Natural latex resin from 30 drivers and
Vulcanized by
the rubber tree cables
addition of sulfur
3 Threads, ribbons, canvas.
COTTON 90 to 50 to 5 to Very flexible, Isolation in
109 à
Fibers 120 100 10 economic and good winding with
impregnated 4 tensile strength impregnation
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Chapter 3 Dielectric Materials
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