Electrical properties of XLPE/VLDPE blends

Electrical properties of crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE)/very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) blends were studied. When the VLDPE is blended, water treeing resistance of XLPE increases while AC breakdown strength remains unchanged. Other properties such as mechanical properties and cure characteristics are also improved. Peel strength with an ethylene-based semiconducting layer is equivalent to the conventional XLPE. This improvement is achieved only for a low concentration of a specific VLDPE.