Nanocomposite characterization and diagnostics tools

There is no a single revealing characterization method for dielectric materials due to the rather complex nature of the physical phenomena involved. Usually, the breakdown voltage measurement is commonly used as a criterion for design but it only gives very global information without insight of the material structure. Consequently, a full characterization requires developing and using several electrical properties measurements. Moreover, the other functional characteristics, e.g., optical, mechanical, and thermal, of the nanocomposite materials have also to be assessed. Indeed, for an application, the insulating material or material system must satisfy a matrix of properties. In the following paragraphs, it will become clear how to assess them. © 2006 IEEE.