What is Dielectric Strength?

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What is Dielectric Strength?

Dielectric strength refers to the ability of a material to withstand an electric field without breaking down or becoming conductive. It measures the maximum electric field a material can withstand before it starts to conduct electricity or "break down" and allow current to flow through it.

Another term for dielectric strength, dielectric breakdown strength (DBS), is the maximum electrical potential that a material can resist before the electrical current breaks through the material and the material is no longer an insulator. DBS is tested per ASTM D149 and measured in kV/mm or V/mil.

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When looking at DBS values, it is important to consider at what thickness the measurement was taken. Materials tested in thin sections will yield higher DBS values in kV/mm than materials tested in thick sections.

Ideally, both thick and thin materials would yield the same DBS results, since the units are electric potential per thickness, but with thicker materials come more impurities, no matter how small, which will ultimately lead to a decrease in DBS.

Dielectric strength is an important property for materials used in electrical and electronic applications, such as EVs, e-motors, transformers, and charging systems.

Materials with high dielectric strength and high thermal conductivity are preferred in these applications because they can withstand higher voltages and provide better electrical insulation, which helps to prevent electrical failures and improve the reliability of the components and systems.

We specialize in developing world-class thermal management, potting and encapsulation, gap filling, semiconductor packing, adhesive and thick film materials for demanding applications. Our experience in electronic materials spans more than 50 years, and we incorporate this vast knowledge in developing solutions for new applications to help ensure our customers' success.

Our Electronic Materials product line includes solutions that have high dielectric strength (electrically insulative) as well as materials that are electrically conductive.

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Our robust dielectric and magnet coatings provide insulating barriers around electric vehicle batteries and motors. With both heat and UV curing options, these materials are highly electrically insulative and deliver adhesion and flexibility.

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What is Dielectric Strength?

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What is Dielectric Strength?

Dielectric Strength Breakdown

Why is Dielectric Stength Important?

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