Positive electron affinity of interfacial region in Polyethylene-MgO nanocomposite dielectric

TL;DR

This study explores the electronic properties of MgO-polyethylene nanocomposites, revealing a positive electron affinity at the interface, which impacts charge trapping and dielectric performance.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical understanding of charge trapping mechanisms at the interfacial region in polymer-oxide nanocomposites using density functional theory.

Findings

Positive electron affinity observed at the interfacial region

Role of surface modification in electronic properties analyzed

New theory proposed for charge trapping in nanocomposites

Abstract

Polymer-based nanocomposite dielectrics are expected to become essential in future generations of high voltage electrical insulation. However, the physics behind their performance is not yet understood. Here we investigate electronic properties of the interfacial area in magnesium oxide-polyethylene nanocomposite. We use density functional theory to calculate densities of states for MgO (100) and hydroxylated MgO (111) interfaces with polyethylene. We evaluate the role of silicon-based nanoparticle surface modification at the electronic level and propose a new theory for charge trapping in nanocomposites.