Evaluation of analytical techniques for the characterization of dielectric materials

A critical review of various analytical techniques tentatively used to characterize cable is presented. It is shown that cable morphology can be simply evaluated by density and differential scanning calorimetry measurements, and oxidation is best evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Elemental contamination is well evaluated by neutron activation analysis and particle-induced X-ray emission measurements, whereas ions can be detected by ionic chromatography. The water content of cables can be reliably measured by commercial instruments relying on coulometry.<
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