Table of Contents

Introduction: Attractiveness of Polymer Nanocomposites. Potential Applications in Electric Power and Electronics Sectors. Compatibility of Dielectric Properties with Other Engineering Performances. Preparation of Polymer Nanocomposites: Key for Homogeneous Dispersion. Drastic Improvement of Dielectric Performances by Nanocomposite Technology. Thermal and Mechanical Performances of Nanocomposite Insulating Materials. Structures of Polymer/Nano-filler Interfaces. Computer Simulation Methods to Visualize Nano-fillers in Polymers: Toward Clarification of Mechanisms to Improve Performances of Nanocomposites. Epilogue – Environmental Concerns and Future Prospects.

About the Author

Toshikatsu Tanaka is a research fellow at the IPS Research Center of Waseda University, Japan, professor emeritus at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China, and chair of the IEEJ Committee on Nanocomposites. He is a recipient of the Japanese Ministry of Science and Technology Prize (2000), Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan (IEEJ) Technology Progress Award (1988), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Whitehead Memorial Lecture Award (2001), IEEJ Inuishi Award (2001), and IEEE Dakin Award (2002). Dr. Tanaka is an IEEE fellow and an IEEJ life fellow. He was the chair of the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) Working Group on Nanocomposites for 6 years from 2006.

Takahiro Imai received his BEng and MEng in applied chemical engineering and DEng in materials science from Waseda University in 1996, 1998, and 2006, respectively. He joined Toshiba Corporation in 1998. Dr. Imai is presently engaged in the development of electrical insulation materials and systems for switchgears at the Power and Industrial Systems R&D Center of Toshiba Corporation. He is a recipient of the IEEJ Distinguished Paper Award (2006); member of the IEEE, Society of Polymer Science, Japan, and IEEJ; and secretary of the IEEJ Nanocomposite Committee.