Water tree retardant characteristics of silane crosslinked polyethylene

Water tree retardant characteristics of silane crosslinked polyethylene (PE) was investigated by measuring dc leakage currents, observing tree shapes and analyzing aging time dependence of tree number and tree length distribution. It seems to be more difficult for water trees to develop in silane crosslinked PE. Here, it is considered that pendent silane plays role of water tree retardant. The condensed silanol groups among PE molecules might act as obstruction to water tree initiation and growth.