Electric breakdown studies using a range of membranes made of various polymers showed that, in principle, electrical poling can be applied to most membranes types. The results showed that the electric breakdown behavior of membranes was affected by their material type. The microstructure of the membranes was the most important factor in determining their dielectric strength. It was found that anisotropic membranes with layered structures had the lowest electric breakdown strength. The sample size and temperature also affected the electric breakdown of membranes. The former is probably due to a probabilistic presence of defects. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.