The presence of impurities, voids or gas bubbles
during the manufacturing process of insulating materials of
power cables leads to electrical degradation in the form of partial
discharges (PDs). This paper aims to investigate the influence of
incorporated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the
statistical parameters of PD activity within low density
polyethylene (LDPE) matrix through using the solvent casting
method. The surface morphology of synthesized LDPE/TiO2
nanocomposites was characterized by field emission scanning
electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Then, the internal discharge
measurements were performed using the traditional needle-plane
configuration with the help of phase resolved partial discharge
analyzer (PRPDA). This technique is used to analyze the
statistical characteristics and feature of PDs with respect to the
phase angle of applied voltage. It is found that the PD activity of
all LDPE/TiO2 nanocomposite samples that represented by
discharge magnitude, inception voltage, extinction voltage, and
PD generation rate was enhanced compared to that of the pure
LDPE. This was explained considering the effect of TiO2
nanoparticles in trapping process and initial electron generation
inside the insulation material. Also, governing mechanisms for
positive and negative cycle of PD activity were discussed.