Research Background:
Modern electrical equipment relies heavily on polymer insulation materials, which are crucial for ensuring the safe operation of power grids. However, producing and disposing of these materials at the end of their life cycle has a significant environmental impact. This includes the extraction of petroleum-based raw materials, the use of toxic solvents and long-term pollution resulting from the landfill or incineration of thermosetting materials. As the concepts of carbon neutrality and the circular economy continue to advance, the entire lifecycle of traditional insulation materials is being critically re-evaluated, from synthesis and use to disposal. Researchers are exploring ways to maintain excellent electrical and thermal performance while achieving material repairability, recyclability and biodegradability. The aim is to create a green, closed-loop electrical insulation system. This transition represents a significant technological challenge, but is also an essential pathway for the power industry to achieve sustainable development.
Research Progress:
To realize the green transformation of insulation materials, research has focused on several key directions (Figure A). Firstly, at the raw material level, bio-based monomers (e.g., polyethylene derived from sugarcane ethanol) and mineral-based silicones are progressively replacing petrochemical feedstocks, significantly reducing the carbon footprint. Secondly, the introduction of dynamic covalent bonds into the structural design enables traditionally non-recyclable thermosetting resins (such as epoxies, polyimides, and polyolefins) to possess self-healing and physicochemical recycling capabilities. Furthermore, processing techniques are advancing towards halogen-free flame retardancy and solvent-free methods, reducing the use of hazardous substances. A representative industrial breakthrough is the development of thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) based insulation systems for high-voltage cables. These systems not only exhibit electrical performance comparable to cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) but are also fully recyclable, successfully bridging the gap from laboratory discovery to industrial manufacturing. These achievements underscore the core value of multidisciplinary collaboration spanning chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering, and environmental science.
Future Perspectives:
The future development of insulation materials requires continuous breakthroughs across multiple dimensions. In material design, priority should be given to structures that are depolymerizable and reprocessable, alongside exploring modular components to facilitate separation and recycling. There is also a need for the diversification of recycling technologies, encompassing pathways such as catalytic pyrolysis, solvent-based decomposition and biological enzymatic digestion, in order to balance efficiency and energy consumption. Furthermore, a comprehensive life cycle assessment must be conducted to prevent any single stage from offsetting the environmental benefits. In terms of policy, extended producer responsibility, green procurement guidelines and carbon tax mechanisms will significantly promote the market application of sustainable materials. From an economic perspective, as environmental costs are internalized, bio-based and recycled materials are expected to gradually become more cost-competitive. Driven by the triple forces of technology, policy and the market, it is foreseeable that the electrical insulation system is poised to undergo a quiet yet profound green revolution.
The complete study is accessible via DOl:
10.34133/research.0986