Fluorescent probes as electrical field indicators

Polymer engineering and design is becoming increasingly important in power transmission and distribution, with polymeric insulation often superseding more traditional oilpaper based systems. The introduction of “smart” moieties into polymeric dielectrics is a highly attractive means of continual condition monitoring. For example, specifically designed electric field sensitive fluorophores could be introduced into the dielectric such that changes in fluorescent properties would be indicative of the local electrical environment or dielectric degradation. This paper will describe initial investigations into the dielectric behavior of a model fluorescent polymer system. Pyrene was the fluorophore of choice owing to its wide usage in a range of applications and good solubility in organic solvents. The electrical breakdown strength, fluorescent response and dielectric loss of the blended samples were compared to virgin, untreated polystyrene in order to determine the effects of the guest fluorophore on the electrical properties of the host polystyrene (PS) system.