Current-potential dielectric breakdown

Figure 3-1. Anodic polarization curve (current density versus potential) of a metallic material exhibiting passivity. For semiconducting films, the passive region extends over a Volt or less. For the insulating films formed on valve metals, the passive region extends over a few Volts before dielectric breakdown.

Dielectric Str Dielectric Strength (Electric Strength) is the maximum potential gradient that can be applied to a material without causing it to break down (usually expressed in kV/mm). It is a measure of how well a material, a dielectric, can withstand a voltage. The resistance to dielectric breakdown is specified as the voltage at which breakdown occurs divided by the specimen thickness. Breakdown occurs as a sudden flow of current through the material. Specimen thicknesses are usually >3 mm. 

It is somewhat less corrosion resistant than tantalum, and like tantalum suffers from hydrogen embrittlement if it is made cathodic by a galvanic couple or an external e.m.f., or is exposed to hot hydrogen gas. The metal anodises in acid electrolytes to form an anodic oxide film which has a high dielectric constant, and a high anodic breakdown potential. This latter property coupled with good electrical conductivity has led to the use of niobium as a substrate for platinum-group metals in impressed-current cathodic-protection anodes. 

As indicated above, when a positive direct current is impressed upon a piece of titanium immersed in an electrolyte, the consequent rise in potential induces the formation of a protective surface film, which is resistant to passage of any further appreciable quantity of current into the electrolyte. The upper potential limit that can be attained without breakdown of the surface film will depend upon the nature of the electrolyte. Thus, in strong sulphuric acid the metal/oxide system will sustain voltages of between 80 and 100 V before a spark-type dielectric rupture ensues, while in sodium chloride solutions or in sea water film rupture takes place when the voltage across the oxide film reaches a value of about 12 to 14 V. Above the critical voltage, anodic dissolution takes place at weak spots in the surface film and appreciable current passes into the electrolyte, presumably by an initial mechanism involving the formation of soluble titanium ions. 

The resistance of most plastics to the flow of direct current is very high. Both surface and volume electrical resistivities are important properties for applications of plastics insulating materials. The volume resistivity is the electrical resistance of the material measured in ohms as though the material was a conductor. Insulators will not sustain an indefinitely high voltage as the applied voltage is increased, a point is reached where a drastic decrease in resistance takes place accompanied by a physical breakdown of the insulator. This is known as the dielectric strength, which is the electric potential in volts, which would be necessary to cause the failure of a 1/8-in. thick insulator (Chapter 4, ELEC-TRICAL/ELECTR ONICS PRODUCT). 

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