Electrical insulation systems operating in energy, transportation, aerospace, and nuclear applications are continuously exposed to thermal, electrical, mechanical, environmental, and radiation stresses, which progressively alter their physical, chemical, and electrical properties. These aging processes can ultimately compromise system reliability and lead to premature failure.
A major focus of the research is the development and application of non-destructive electrical diagnostic techniques capable of assessing the condition of insulation systems in situ. By correlating measurable electrical parameters with material degradation, these approaches support predictive maintenance strategies, asset management, and lifetime assessment of critical electrical infrastructure.
The laboratory investigates the influence of additives, such as antioxidants and stabilizers, on the aging behavior of polymeric insulating materials used in medium- and high-voltage applications. Particular attention is devoted to understanding how additives and moisture affect the electrical properties of polymer matrices and modify degradation pathways during thermal, electrical, and combined aging processes.
Research activities aim to establish quantitative relationships between microstructural changes and macroscopic electrical performance, providing a deeper understanding of the interaction between material formulation, aging phenomena, and long-term insulation reliability.
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Cables employed in nuclear facilities and aerospace systems operate under particularly demanding conditions, where elevated temperatures and ionizing radiation can significantly accelerate material degradation. The laboratory studies advanced high-performance insulating materials based on polymers such as polyimides (PI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), epoxy systems, and other radiation-resistant formulations.
Research activities focus on evaluating electrical performance, aging resistance, and long-term reliability, while also identifying diagnostic indicators capable of detecting degradation before failure occurs. The development of electrical aging markers provides valuable tools for condition monitoring and maintenance planning in safety-critical applications.
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The laboratory conducts research on water treeing phenomena, one of the most important degradation mechanisms affecting polymeric insulation in submarine power cables. Water trees develop through the combined action of moisture and electric field stress, progressively weakening the insulation and reducing its long-term reliability.
Accelerated Water Tree Testing (AWTT) methodologies are employed to reproduce, in laboratory timescales, degradation processes that would normally require years of service operation. The integration of advanced electrical diagnostics enables the identification of early degradation indicators and supports predictive evaluation of cable lifetime.
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Electrical insulation systems operating under high electric field conditions may experience corona discharges, which generate localized degradation, surface erosion, and progressive deterioration of dielectric performance. The laboratory investigates the effects of corona activity on insulating materials and develops innovative nanostructured solutions designed to enhance electrical endurance.
Particular emphasis is placed on the optimization of nanoparticle type, concentration, and dispersion within polymer matrices to improve resistance to electrical aging and mitigate surface damage. These activities contribute to the development of next-generation insulation systems with enhanced durability and reliability.
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