Research

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Research Overview

Research discussion

Dr. Lau’s research revolves around the characterisation of the structure and electrical properties of polymeric insulating materials. His current research focus is on the development of new insulating materials, i.e., polymer nanocomposites – a material system envisioned to be the future of high voltage electrical insulation. This covers not only experimental work to characterise its morphological, thermal and electrical properties, but also modelling and simulation work, to ensure the reliability of the material when put under service. Although his current material focus is on nanocomposites, the characterisation techniques can be extended towards many other materials (and applications), such as microcomposites and polymer blends, including materials under service that requires condition monitoring and diagnosis. This will help to ensure the sustainability of the current as well as the future high voltage electrical insulation systems. Meanwhile, he is also particularly interested in the development of renewable energy systems to ensure the sustainability of the energy scenario as a whole.

If your research interests fall in the above categories and you are looking for research collaborations or research opportunities, please feel free to contact Dr. Lau: kwanyiew@utm.my.

Research Projects

  1. Dielectric Breakdown Characteristics of Polypropylene Blended with Polyolefin Elastomers, UTM Fundamental Research Grant, 01 Nov 2022 – 31 Oct 2025.
  2. Study of Pollution Flashover Effect on High Voltage Outdoor Insulators, Professional Development Research University Grant, 01 Jul 2021 – 30 Jun 2023.
  3. Structure and Electrical Breakdown Properties of Polypropylene-based Nanocomposites, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme, 01 Sep 2019 – 31 May 2022.
  4. Effects of Thermal Ageing on Breakdown Properties of Polypropylene Nanocomposites, Research University Grant (Tier 2), 01 Aug 2019 – 31 Jan 2022.
  5. Dielectric Properties of Multi-element Oxide Based Nanocomposites, Japan’s Nippon Sheet Glass Foundation for Materials Science and Engineering, 01 Jan 2019 – 31 Dec 2020.
  6. Effects of Heat Treatments on the DC Breakdown Characteristics of Nanodielectrics, Research University Grant (UTMShine), 01 Dec 2016 – 31 May 2019.
  7. Effect of Filler Calcination on the Breakdown Properties of Polymer Composites, Research University Grant (Tier 1), 01 Jul 2016 – 31 December 2018.
  8. Electrical Breakdown Characteristics of Non-isothermally Crystallised Nanostructured Polyethylene Blends, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme, 02 Nov 2015 – 01 May 2018.
  9. Influence of Water on the Breakdown Properties of Polyethylene/Silica Nanocomposites, Research University Grant (Tier 2E), 01 Sep 2015 – 30 Nov 2016.
  10. Modelling the Structure and Electrical Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites, Research University Grant (Potential Academic Staff), 01 Jun 2014 – 31 May 2015.