HSZG presents research paper in Japan

The 8th International Symposium on Electrical Insulating Materials (IEEE Conference) took place from September 12–15 in Toyohashi, Japan, with 250 participants from over 80 countries . The conference focused on space-charge behavior, surface and interface issues, and the further development of inorganic and organic materials for applications in electronics, the automotive industry, as well as for use in electrical power grids (low-, medium-, and high-voltage technology). In particular, the new requirements in the field of DC applications, in transmission grids, and in the automotive industry, as well as high-frequency applications (inverters) in the fields of renewable energy generation and mechatronics, necessitate the development of innovative materials (e.g., the use of nanotechnology).

Prof. Dr. Stefan Kornhuber, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Department of High-Voltage Engineering / Materials for Electrical Engineering / Theoretical Electrical Engineering, presented the results of a joint research paper with Prof. Dr. Jens Weber, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences—Chair of Physical Chemistry—on the durability of the hydrophobicity of polydimethylsiloxanes as part of his invited lecture. In particular, understanding this behavior—from the atomic level up to macroscopic observations in practical applications—requires close interdisciplinary collaboration, such as that practiced within the Institute for Surface Technology, in order to lay the groundwork for future developments and optimizations.

During the lecture and in technical discussions, Prof. Stefan Kornhuber was able to strengthen ties, particularly with colleagues from China, Korea, and Japan, and exchange views on current trends. The current preliminary research project —Production, Investigation, and Evaluation of Silicone Elastomers with Carbon Nanotubes for Use in Insulation with External Interfaces in High-Voltage Technology—in the department confirms the relevance and cutting-edge nature of research in Zittau in this field.

These current issues will be addressed and discussed at the national symposium on polymeric insulating materials in electrical engineering, to be held in Zittau in 2018.