The  8.International Symposium on Electrical Insulating Materials (IEEE Conference) took place between 12-15.9 in Toyohashi, Japan with 250 participants from over 80 countries . The focus of the conference was on space charge behavior, surfaces and interface problems, as well as the further development of inorganic and organic materials for applications in electronics, the automotive industry and for use in electrical power supply networks (low, medium and high voltage technology). In particular, the new requirements in the area of direct voltage applications, in the area of transmission networks and the automotive industry, as well as the high-frequency applications (inverters) in the area of renewable energy generation and mechatronics require the development of innovative materials (e.g. use of nanotechnology).

Prof. Dr. Stefan Kornhuber, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Department  High Voltage Engineering / Materials in Electrical Engineering / Theoretical Electrical Engineering, presented the results of a joint research project with Prof. Dr. Jens Weber Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences - Chair of Physical Chemistry, on the durability of the hydrophobicity of polydimethylsiloxanes as part of the invited lecture. In particular, understanding the behaviour (from the atomic level to macroscopic observation in the application) requires close interdisciplinary cooperation, such as that practised at the Institute of Surface Technology, in order to lay the foundations and basis for future developments and optimizations.

During the lecture and technical discussions, Prof. Stefan Kornhuber was able to intensify contacts with colleagues from China, Korea and Japan in particular and exchange information on current trends. The current preliminary research project Production, investigation and evaluation of silicone elastomers with carbon nanotubes for use in insulation with external interfaces in high-voltage technology at the department confirms the topicality and cutting-edge research in Zittau in this area.

These current issues will be addressed and discussed at the national  symposiumon polymeric insulating materials in electrical engineering in Zittau in 2018.