Dielectrics for HVDC cables are constantly evolving, as better electrical and
thermal properties are constantly sought by industry. Yet, researchers are facing
some obstacles. The addition of nanocomposites into polymeric based insulation
proved a promising solution. In this work, five Polypropylene (PP)-based dielectric
material using two type of nanofiller, codename N1 and N2, with different weight
percentages (% wt), were investigated. Dielectric properties such as breakdown
strength, temperature dependent dissipation factor and dielectric constant, and
space charge behavior were investigated. The correlation between dissipation
factor/ tan? at power frequency and very low frequency, under various temperature,
will also be presented as an additional information for diagnostics. It is found that
the addition of nanofiller could increase DC breakdown strength. Temperaturedependent dissipation factor on filled samples is slightly higher than unfilled
sample however, overall, it remains below 0.004, particularly at 200 C, increasing
with temperature. Two different fillers were tested: N1 and N2. 1% wt N1-filled
samples shows slightly higher dielectric constant than unfilled sample, while as it
increased to 2% wt it becomes slightly lower than unfilled sample. 1% wt N2-filled
samples shows slightly lower dielectric constant than unfilled sample. Space charge
injection threshold of 1% N1-filled samples is slightly higher than unfilled ones,
while the accumulated charge is strongly dependent on the electric field applied. At
50 kV/mm electric of weight percentages of N1 and the addition of N2 filler could
decrease space charge accumulation, lower than the unfilled sample. The quite
strong relationship between dissipation factor measurement result under power and
very low frequency and under different temperature, could be interpreted as a highly
useful addition information to VLF-tan? diagnostic.