Bio-derived epoxies offer a promising alternative. These resins eliminate the need for petrochemical-based monomers and can be degraded under specific conditions, enabling recovery of fillers and other valuable components. Recent advances in molecular design have yielded bio-derived epoxy systems with tuneable mechanical properties and scalable synthesis routes. However, their electrical performance and long-term reliability in HV applications remain underexplored, limiting their deployment in practical insulation systems. Future applications of the bio-derived HV insulation include cable connectors, mechanical fixing (e.g. GIS support insulator) and self-supporting OHL-cable terminations.

This project will address this knowledge gap by producing, characterizing, and scaling bio-derived epoxy systems for sustainable HV insulation. The research will systematically evaluate their electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties, with emphasis on dielectric breakdown strength, aging behaviour, and compatibility with existing insulation technologies.

The candidate will gain expertise in sustainable polymers, advanced characterisation methods, and structural, electrical and thermal property analysis. Ultimately, this work aims to demonstrate the feasibility of bio-derived epoxies as high-performance, environmentally responsible insulation materials that support the transition to sustainable HV infrastructure.

Bio-derived epoxies offer a promising alternative. These resins eliminate the need for petrochemical-based monomers and can be degraded under specific conditions, enabling recovery of fillers and other valuable components. Recent advances in molecular design have yielded bio-derived epoxy systems with tuneable mechanical properties and scalable synthesis routes. However, their electrical performance and long-term reliability in HV applications remain underexplored, limiting their deployment in practical insulation systems. Future applications of the bio-derived HV insulation include cable connectors, mechanical fixing (e.g. GIS support insulator) and self-supporting OHL-cable terminations.

This project will address this knowledge gap by producing, characterizing, and scaling bio-derived epoxy systems for sustainable HV insulation. The research will systematically evaluate their electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties, with emphasis on dielectric breakdown strength, aging behaviour, and compatibility with existing insulation technologies.

The candidate will gain expertise in sustainable polymers, advanced characterisation methods, and structural, electrical and thermal property analysis. Ultimately, this work aims to demonstrate the feasibility of bio-derived epoxies as high-performance, environmentally responsible insulation materials that support the transition to sustainable HV infrastructure.