Electrical Tracking and Tree Formation From a Void at a Silicone Rubber - Epoxy Resin Interface

The generation of electrical tracks and trees from a void at the interface of two polymeric materials is explored. Using a transparent semi-conductive indium tin oxide electrode and a dark room, a CCD camera captures real-time images of PD light emission around the void using extended exposure. Track and tree formation are observed along with partial discharge patterns and light emission from within and outside the void. Raman spectroscopy is used to chemically characterize aged surfaces. This geometry of sample provides an alternative investigative tool which does not rely on unrepresentative needle electrodes to generate trees and tracks, and provides a more representative model of defects and imperfections in HV cables.