Studies on the use of propylene carbonate as a high-voltage insulator

A research program has been initiated to determine if propylene carbonate can be used as an insulator in the high-voltage accelerator field. Electrical properties, such as dielectric strength, resistivity, frequency response, and surface tracking, have been investigated. Initial tests show that propylene carbonate can be deionized to several M Omega -cm and that the electric field strength of plastic laminates immersed in it is several times higher than that of laminates immersed in oil. These tests reveal that a materials compatibility problem exists but that it will not be so severe as to limit propylene carbonate usage in this field.<>