Hydrostatic pressure effect on the electrical conductivity of low density Polyethylene

Low density Polyethylene (LDPE) plays an important part in high voltage cable insulation, particularly in submarine d.c power transmission lines. In this particular case, it is worth observing the behaviour of this material under conditions similar to its real application. Conductivity measurements of LDPE as a function of hydrostatic pressure helps us understand the breakdown mechanism in this material, and check some breakdown theories based on the electromechanical, free volume, electronic or thermal breakdown processes (1) (2) (3) (4) (5).