Internal space charge distribution formed by polymer solid electrolytes

The internal space charge in solid dielectrics can be observed directly, and is widely discussed in the DC characteristics or polymer-insulated high-voltage cables. The authors have experimentally investigated the internal space charge behavior of new anti-electrostatic polymers which include polymer solid electrolytes and additive ion sources and have found that their internal ions form space charge fields that compensate the surface fields of the polymers. The present work focuses on what makes the internal space charges and what determine their distributions. Comparing the space charge distribution of an original anti-electrostatic polymer with that of one without additive ions revealed that the positive charge accumulation near the cathode is caused by the additive anions. Additional experiments using injection moulded and pressure-moulded specimens indicate that internal space charge behavior is strongly influenced by the polymer structure.