Influence of diffusion on some electrical properties of synthetic cables

It was shown previously that low-molecular-weight fractions of copolymers used in semiconductive compounds diffuse into the insulation during the cable manufacturing process. In the present work, the influence of this diffusion on electrical properties such as AC, DC, and impulse strength has been studied. Initial tests on thin cross-linked polyethylene films peeled from full-size cables have shown different trends. Interfacial diffusion has a detrimental effect on DC strength, but its effect on AC and impulse strength is not clear.<>