An excellent suggestion keep arc length long for the high voltage copper plates. FR4 has a Dielectric strength of 20 kV/mm o.063 FR4 is about 17.1pF per sq inch brake down 32KV. o.032 FR4 is about 33.7pF per sq inch brake down 16KV.
Do you have access to any ionic conducting liquid such as boric acid or sodium borate? If not you won't be able to build a high voltage cap. A quick look at the Wikipedia article about electrolytic capacitors will tell you what they are made of.
Discussions
Best Answer 8 years ago
How high ?
Double sided PCB material works pretty well to a couple of kV
Answer 8 years ago
I need at least 20kv
Answer 8 years ago
Keep reading, its nearer 32kV, if you use 1/16 FR4.
Answer 8 years ago
what does pcb stand for isnt it prototyping circuit board?
Answer 8 years ago
PRINTED circuit board - but in this case, unetched PCB, excelp Its helpful to etch a 10mm border around the edges, to prevent flashover.
Answer 8 years ago
An excellent suggestion keep arc length long for the high voltage copper plates.
FR4 has a Dielectric strength of 20 kV/mm
o.063 FR4 is about 17.1pF per sq inch brake down 32KV.
o.032 FR4 is about 33.7pF per sq inch brake down 16KV.
Answer 8 years ago
whats fr4 mean?
Answer 8 years ago
FR4 is the manufacturers name for the fiberglass .
Answer 8 years ago
thanks i didn't know you really are a pro
Answer 8 years ago
Fibre Reinforced - FR.
8 years ago
Do you have access to any ionic conducting liquid such as boric acid or sodium borate? If not you won't be able to build a high voltage cap. A quick look at the Wikipedia article about electrolytic capacitors will tell you what they are made of.
8 years ago
Google "Leyden jar. You'll get many ideas from the result.