Vinyl ester and acrylic based polymer concrete for electrical applications

Polymer Concrete (PC) is a composite material in which the entire binder is polymeric in replacement of the cement. It has a large material modification, but much selective control on properties. Although initially studied for its excellent mechanical properties, PC is now widely used in electrical applications. Polymer Concrete samples with Silica fillers (Silica sand, Desert sand, Quartz Powder etc.) is synthesized with Vinyl ester resin and Acrylic resin respectively as as binders. In the first sample, cobalt is used as catalyst, whereas Benzoil Peroxide is used as hardener in the second specimen. The two samples of Polymer Concrete are characterized for electrical applications i.e. their Volume and Surface Resistivities are measured as per ASTM D-272-92. The Arc resistance test was carried out following the principle of ASTM D-495. The Comparative Tracking Index Test following IEC 112-79 is conducted to overcome the test of Arc Resistance. The Break Down Voltage was estimated to measure the dielectric strength of the specimens following ASTM D 149-92. Finally the test was carried out following the principle of ASTM-D-790 to get an idea of the flexural strength of the materials.