Influence of morphology effects on electrical properties in XLPE

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 121; no. 6; pp. 3483 - 3494
• Main Authors: Nilsson, S., Hjertberg, T., Smedberg, A., Sonerud, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15-09-2011; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Breakdown; Copolymerization; crosslinked polyethylene; Crosslinking; crystalline morphology; Density; electrical breakdown strength; electrical trees; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; growth; insulation; Materials science; Miscellaneous; Morphology; polyethylene blends; Polyethylenes; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers; Strength; Technology of polymers; tree initiation; Trees; water trees; electrical trees; Electric breakdown; Electrical properties; Molecular structure; Crosslink density; crosslinked polyethylene; Crystallinity; Experimental study; insulation; Water treeing; Low density ethylene polymer; Electric insulating material; electrical breakdown strength; Morphology; Crosslinked polymer; Olefin polymer; water trees; Property structure relationship; Plastic sheathed cable
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.34006

This study elucidates the influence of differences in crosslink structure and crosslink density on water tree growth, electrical tree growth, and electrical breakdown strength. One reference LDPE was compared with a LDPE containing a higher number of vinyl groups, introduced via the copolymerisation with a diene. Because of the chemical difference, the initially formed crosslink structure will be different for the materials. A range of various crosslink densities was considered for the two materials. It was found that along with a noticeable change in morphology after crosslinking, significant changes in particularly water tree growth, electrical tree growth, and electrical breakdown strength could be observed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011