Recent progress in electrical insulation systems and prospects for the 21st century

Advanced insulating materials are reviewed for the 21st century. High stress and low loss design are a trend at present, for which insulation systems have been incessantly improved. Interfacial problems come out in this respect. Insulation systems will be partly subjected to more severe conditions such as high temperatures and radiation through future expansion of their application. Intelligent or functional insulating materials are expected to emerge. Recent progress and future prospects are described on selected topics of present insulation technology.