Publication Details
Abstract
In recent decades, the application of polymers and polymer-based materials has expanded significantly, encompassing numerous industrial and technological fields. Among these, electrical applications represent a particularly important domain. Polymers are utilized not only as insulators, protective coatings, and elastic substrate, but also as electrically conductive components in devices such as batteries, capacitors, sensors, and photovoltaic systems. They are appreciated for their low weight, cost efficiency, ease of fabrication, and the ability to tailor their properties to meet specific performance requirements. Nevertheless, a notable drawback—especially for petroleum-derived plastics—is their adverse environmental impact, primarily due to the complexity and expense of recycling processes. One potential solution is to replace conventional plastics with biodegradable alternatives, either obtained from natural sources (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides) or synthesized from bio-based monomers (e.g., poly (lactic acid)), as well as biodegradable polyesters derived from petroleum feedstocks (e.g., poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)). This paper examines the essential electrical characteristics of polymeric materials, the mechanisms leading to electrical breakdown, preventive approaches, and the selection of polymers suitable for high-voltage applications.