POLYOLEFIN INSULATION DEGRADATION IN ELECTRICAL FIELD BELOW CRITICAL INCEPTION VOLTAGES

Ali Harlin - Michael G. Danikas - Petri Hyvönen

   The degradation mechanism of polymeric materials is poorly predictable, and problematic to measure in the network. Polyolefins are widely used in the electric insulation of eg cables and capacitors due to their good dielectric properties and most competitive material price. The target for this paper is to explain the basic phenomenon related to the degradation of polyolefin in electrical discharge. Especially the reasons are reviewed why the material has such a sudden break down after a very long period of conservative electrical fields.

Keywords: polymeric materials, dielectric properties, degradation, electrical discharge, polyolefin

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