Solid dielectric materials insulate live voltage in such innocuous and commonplace applications as stereo cords, power tool grips, or outlets. Typically made from plastics, rubber, and polymer films, insulation makes it possible to safely handle electrical devices in our homes and appliances.

Understanding the properties of these materials is critical to predicting their long term performance in an insulating product. Stork Technimet has recently boosted its electrical and thermal testing capabilities with new equipment to help clients assess and predict these materials and products.

The following capabilities have been added to our already extensive polymer test scope:

Capacitance, Dissipation Factor and Dielectric Constant :: Electrical insulating materials can be evaluated for capacitance, dissipation factor or dielectric constant. These characteristics are important in describing a material's insulating properties. Testing conforms to ASTM D 150 and can be conducted from 0 °C to 55 °C.

Dielectric Strength :: This represents the voltage gradient required for dielectric failure of an insulating material and can be measured in accordance with ASTM D 149. This parameter is of importance for any application where an electrical field is present, and often significantly impacts the component's design. The testing can be performed on insulating material samples or on entire product assemblies.

Volume and Surface Resistivity :: Insulating materials are often used to isolate components of an electrical system. Information regarding the level of resistivity to electrical current is a key design factor. Resistivity measurements can be made between -30 °C and 100 °C, and in accordance with ASTM D 257.

Specific Heat Capacity :: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to produce a 1 °C rise in 1 gram of material. Analysis is conducted in accordance with ASTM E 1269 and can be performed to generate specific heat capacity values across the temperature range of -100 °C to 725 °C.

Thermal Conductivity :: A key thermal property of materials and critical factor in end product performance, thermal conductivity is a measure of the ease by which temperature is transmitted through an insulating material. Testing, performed in accordance with ASTM E 1952, assesses the heat transfer or dissipation properties of the material; these can be essential parameters in the design of component parts.