High-voltage capacitors are key components for circuit breakers and monitoring and protection devices, and are important elements used to improve the efficiency and reliability of the grid. Different technologies are used in high-voltage capacitor manufacturing process, and at all stages of this process polymeric films must be used, along with an encapsulating material, which can be either liquid, solid or gaseous. These materials play major roles in the lifespan and reliability of components. In this paper, we present a review of the different technologies used to manufacture high-voltage capacitors, as well as the different materials used in fabricating high-voltage film capacitors, with a view to establishing a bibliographic database that will allow a comparison of the different technologies

Graphene, the newest member of the carbon’s family, has proven its efficiency in improving polymers’ resistance against photodegradation, even at low loadings equal to 1 wt% or lower. This protective role involves a multitude of complementary mechanisms associated with graphene’s unique geometry and chemistry. In this review, these mechanisms, taking place during both the initiation and propagation steps of photodegradation, are discussed concerning graphene and graphene derivatives, i.e., graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). In particular, graphene displays important UV absorption, free radical scavenging, and quenching capabilities thanks to the abundant π-bonds and sp² carbon sites in its hexagonal lattice structure. The free radical scavenging effect is also partially linked with functional hydroxyl groups on the surface. However, the sp² sites remain the predominant player, which makes graphene’s antioxidant effect potentially stronger than rGO and GO. Besides, UV screening and oxygen barriers are active protective mechanisms attributed to graphene’s high surface area and 2D geometry. Moreover, the way that graphene, as a nucleating agent, can improve the photostability of polymers, have been explored as well. These include the potential effect of graphene on increasing polymer’s glass transition temperature and crystallinity.