Enhanced dielectric and structural properties of HDPE nanocomposites reinforced with HfO, TiO, and TaO nanoparticles under high-voltage gas discharge conditions
POLYMERS & POLYMER COMPOSITES, vol.34, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 34
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1177/09673911261470971
- Journal Name: POLYMERS & POLYMER COMPOSITES
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study investigates the structural, morphological, and dielectric performance of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites reinforced with HfO2, TiO2, and Ta2O5 nanoparticles, with special emphasis on their behavior under high-voltage microsecond pulsed gas discharge. SEM and TEM analyses confirm uniform nanoparticle dispersion and surface morphology. FTIR spectroscopy reveals distinct metal-oxygen vibrational bands, assigned as Ti-O (similar to 533 cm-1), Hf-O (similar to 496 cm-1), and Ta-O (similar to 644 cm-1). FTIR results indicate increased crystallinity and the emergence of -OH-related vibrations (3600-4000 cm-1) induced by discharge. Breakdown measurements show that HDPE/HfO2 exhibits the highest post-discharge breakdown strength (0.132 & times;109 V/m), outperforming neat HDPE. Dielectric measurements demonstrate enhanced permittivity and reduced loss tangent at high frequencies for all nanocomposites, with HDPE/TiO2 showing the lowest tan delta after discharge. Overall, metal-oxide-reinforced HDPE nanocomposites show improved electrical stability and structural resilience, offering strong potential for high-voltage insulation applications.