A Brief Note On Examples Of Insulators

Insulators are materials that can resist energy transfer. On the other hand, conductors can transmit energy. As there are various types of energy, there are different types of insulators. Glass is the strongest insulator as it has the chemical bonding needed to give it a great insulating ability. Many materials can be labelled as electrical and thermal insulators. But, there are also exceptions in these cases. In other words, if the material is insulating a form of energy, that does not mean that it will behave likewise to other forms. Let’s learn about other examples of insulators.

Electrical Insulators

As these materials prevent electrical energy from passing through, these insulators have covalent bonds to prevent the electrons from passing through. Let’s take a look at some electrical insulators:

Air

Electricity cannot travel well via air. Thus, when we put a little space between the circuits, it makes them insulated. But, if the electric fields have an extremely high voltage, it can break down the air’s insulation, making it conductive. For the same reason, a bolt of lightning can travel through miles of atmosphere.

Ceramic

Ceramic materials composed of white, red, or brown clay have proven effective insulators. In most high voltage systems, you will find wire holders that are ceramic or have a ceramic coating. It helps in insulating wires that conduct electric currents. Ceramic insulation is now used in place of glass insulation by various industrial corporations.

Cotton

Cotton in dry form is a great insulation material. We use it mostly in cloth tape for insulating electrical wires so that people do not get an electrical shock. But, when it is in a wet form, it will not be effective for insulation and even turn into an electrical conductor.

Diamond

Most of the diamonds are insulators. Why? It is because they have tight carbon bonds. However, there is an exception to blue diamonds. It is because there isn’t enough boron in them. Even though diamonds aren’t thermal insulators, they can effectively conduct heat. In various electrical machines like generators and electromotors, diamond insulation is present.

Fibreglass

Another common insulator is fibreglass. It is composed of glass fibres and plastic in the form of a flat sheet. This material is usually braided tightly around wires and cable conductors with high voltage for electrical insulation. Ovens and furnaces have wires present in them that are composed of fibreglass.

Glass

Glass is the strongest insulator as it has the finest insulating ability due to its chemical bonding. It was a popular material mostly used in telephone and power lines before the availability of other materials like fibreglass, ceramic, etc. Thus, glass insulators are commonly found in antique shops.

Oil

Insulating oil comes in a lot of use as it is present in oil-filled transformers, capacitors, switches with high voltages, fluorescent lamps, circuit breakers, and more. However, it is important to replace this oil before its degradation.

Paper

Paper is a strong electrical insulator because of the natural cellulose. Many electrical machines in the earlier times were composed of paper boards or pressboards. Later on, thick paper replaced it for electrical and telephone cable insulation.

Plastic

One of the most popular electrical insulators is plastic. It is used in wire insulation in automobiles, homes, and even commercial buildings. Plastic is a good insulator and is used to manufacture various products. It is also present in electrical bedding and sheathing. It is also a great alternative to rubber insulation.

Porcelain

Similar to ceramic, porcelain is composed of white clay. But, as we fire it at a higher temperature, it becomes stronger when compared to ceramic. We can use it for insulating more electrically conductive materials at greater voltages. It is present in power lines and substations.

Pure Water

Water, free from dissolved salts and metals, can be an electrical insulator. But, the materials present in impure water can conduct electricity. In simpler terms, water that we use daily, like water for bathing, pool water etc., is most likely impure. Thus, it is dangerous as electricity can travel through it.

Rubber

Another great electrical insulator is rubber. A very common material that we use in the production of tyres, fire-resistant clothing, and slippers is rubber. This is because it is an insulator. You must have also seen many electricians wearing rubber gloves as it keeps them safe from electric shocks. In electrical insulation and wire sheathing, silicone rubber is a material that is commonly used. Similarly, rubber electric mats are present in front of switchboards and fuse boxes for protection.

Thermal Insulators

Many electrical insulators also work as thermal insulators. In simpler terms, they do not allow thermal energy to pass through their covalent bonds. The materials are air, ceramic, cotton, fibreglass, glass, and plastic.

When you wear thick clothing in winters, it traps the air against your skin that does not pass along the heat but holds onto it, keeping you warm. Similarly, ceramic mugs keep your coffee or tea warm for a long time. Cotton in dry form offers great thermal insulation.

Furthermore, fibreglass can hold heat. Thus, it is commonly used on walls of modern houses. Likewise, glass also prevents heat from passing through your windows. Finally, plastic is a great thermal insulator. We use it in Styrofoam cups.

Conclusion

There are different kinds of insulators that we use in our daily lives. They are also used for commercial purposes. Electrical insulators are the materials that prevent electrical energy from passing through, these insulators have covalent bonds to prevent the electrons from passing through.