Ian L. Hosier

Bio: Ian L. Hosier is an academic researcher from University of Southampton. The author has contributed to research in topics: Polyethylene & Dielectric. The author has an hindex of 23, co-authored 98 publications receiving 1738 citations. Previous affiliations of Ian L. Hosier include Florida A&M University – Florida State University College of Engineering & University of Reading.

An investigation of the potential of polypropylene and its blends for use in recyclable high voltage cable insulation systems

Abstract: Most modern extruded high voltage cables employ cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) as the insulation material. XLPE has excellent thermo-mechanical properties, is relatively cheap and has a low dielectric loss, which make it an ideal material for this application. Unfortunately, XLPE is not easily recycled at the end of its lifetime leading to questions concerning its long-term sustainability. A previous investigation in this series considered the potential of a range of ethylene-based systems to provide suitable recyclable alternatives to XLPE. Whilst blending could allow systems having similar thermo-mechanical and electrical properties to XLPE to be designed, it was not possible to obtain better performance than XLPE using these systems. Polypropylene offers, potentially, a route to improved insulation systems by virtue of its higher melting point and excellent dielectric properties. However, traditional isotactic polypropylenes have always had the problem of being too brittle for inclusion into practical cable designs. Recently a broad range of propylene co-polymers having improved ductility have become available, which may prove more suitable. The current study compares traditional isotactic and syndiotactic polypropylenes to a range of commercially available propylene co-polymers and focuses on their morphology, thermal, thermo-mechanical and electrical properties. These parameters were then taken together to identify the most suitable candidate materials for future cable applications. The use of blending as a means to further optimise the various material properties was also explored.

Structure–property relationships in polyethylene blends: the effect of morphology on electrical breakdown strength

Abstract: Blends of linear and branched polyethylene were prepared covering the composition range 1–20% linear polyethylene, and three thermal treatments were subsequently chosen to produce a range of different morphologies. Isothermal crystallization at 124 °C gives rise to compact linear inclusions within a matrix of branched polyethylene, isothermal crystallization at 115 °C produces an open, banded spherulitic morphology and, finally, quenching leads to a continuous spherulitic texture. Ramp testing was then employed to investigate the effect of morphology on electrical strength. It was found that the electrical strength of the blend depends primarily on the morphology and that, by optimizing thermal treatment and linear polyethylene content, substantial improvements in properties can be obtained.

On the structure and chemistry of electrical trees in polyethylene

Abstract: The structure and chemistry of two electrical trees (designated Tree A and Tree B) grown in low density polyethylene have been studied by a combination of confocal Raman microprobe spectroscopy, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Despite being grown under similar conditions (A, 30 °C and 13.5 kV; B, 20 °C and 13.5 kV), these two trees exhibit very different structures. Tree A exhibits a branched structure while Tree B is more bush-like. In Tree A, the very tips of the structure are made up of hollow tubules, which exhibit just the Raman signature of polyethylene. On moving towards the high voltage needle electrode, fluorescent decomposition products are first detected which, subsequently, are replaced by disordered graphitic carbon. From the relative intensity of the graphitic sp2 G and D Raman bands, the constituent graphitic domains are estimated to be ~4 nm in size, which leads to a local tree channel resistance per unit length of 1–10 Ω µm−1. These structures are therefore sufficiently conducting to prevent local electrical discharge activity. In Tree B, the observed fluorescence increases continuously from the growth tips to the needle. Here, the tree channels are not sufficiently conducting to prevent electrical discharge activity within the body of the tree. These results are discussed in terms of mechanisms of tree growth and, in particular, the chemical processes involved.

On the space charge and DC breakdown behavior of polyethylene/silica nanocomposites

Abstract: Space charge occurs in a dielectric material when the rate of charge accumulation is different from the rate of removal, which arises due to moving or trapped charges. Inevitably, the local electric field is increased at some point within the material, which then leads to faster degradation and premature failure. The determination of space charge behavior has seen wide implementation in characterizing novel dielectric materials, especially in connection with the newly emerging field of nanocomposites. In this paper, we report on an investigation into space charge dynamics in silica-based polyethylene nanocomposites. The various systems differed with respect to the amount of filler and its surface chemistry; the pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) technique was used to evaluate the space charge distribution in each. Experimental results indicate that the incorporation of nanosilica into polyethylene results in a significant amount of homocharge development near both electrodes. With appropriate surface treatment of the nanofiller, homocharge formation was successfully suppressed, indicating less severe space charge development in the nanocomposite materials. The mechanisms leading to the observed space charge development and direct current (DC) breakdown properties of the nanocomposites are discussed.

I and i

Abstract: There is, I think, something ethereal about i —the square root of minus one. I remember first hearing about it at school. It seemed an odd beast at that time—an intruder hovering on the edge of reality. Usually familiarity dulls this sense of the bizarre, but in the case of i it was the reverse: over the years the sense of its surreal nature intensified. It seemed that it was impossible to write mathematics that described the real world in …

Advanced Organic Chemistry

Abstract: Organic Chemistry By Dr. I. L. Finar. Vol. 2: Stereochemistry and the Chemistry of Natural Products. Pp. xi + 733. (London and New York: Longmans, Green and Co., Ltd., 1956.) 40s. net.

Polymer Composite and Nanocomposite Dielectric Materials for Pulse Power Energy Storage

Abstract: This review summarizes the current state of polymer composites used as dielectric materials for energy storage The particular focus is on materials: polymers serving as the matrix, inorganic fillers used to increase the effective dielectric constant, and various recent investigations of functionalization of metal oxide fillers to improve compatibility with polymers We review the recent literature focused on the dielectric characterization of composites, specifically the measurement of dielectric permittivity and breakdown field strength Special attention is given to the analysis of the energy density of polymer composite materials and how the functionalization of the inorganic filler affects the energy density of polymer composite dielectric materials