Molecular Insights into the Effects of Thermal Oxidative Aging on the Insulation Properties of Cross-Linked Polyethylene

The degradation of the insulation performance of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) during thermal oxidative aging is a crucial factor affecting the safe operation of cables. Investigating the influence of the structural degradation process of XLPE on its insulation properties from a molecular structure and microscopic parameter perspective can provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind insulation performance degradation during thermal oxidative aging. In this study, the reaction kinetics of XLPE were simulated using the Ab initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD), resulting in the extraction of five XLPE structures with varying degrees of aging. Density functional theory simulations were employed to analyze the variation patterns and differences in discharge-related microscopic parameters of these five different XLPE structures under varying electric field intensities. The results show that there are significant differences in the structure and dipole moment of XLPE with different aging degrees, resulting in large changes in its microscopic parameters. In particular, the formation of carbonyl groups in XLPE has a significant impact on its structure and microscopic parameters. As the aging degree of XLPE increases, the ionization of XLPE molecules and the activity of electron affinity molecules intensify. The structural evolution of XLPE during the aging process markedly influences the excitation process and molecular orbitals of its molecules, facilitating the release of numerous photons, creating conditions for secondary electron collapse, and enhancing molecular conductivity. The simulation results of the molecular surface electrostatic potential reveal that deeper aging of XLPE increases the likelihood of electrophilic and nucleophilic reactions, as well as electron accumulation and collision. Overall, the electric field exerts a minimal effect on the molecular structure and microscopic parameters of different XLPE molecules.