Accelerated thermal ageing of an EVA compound

The Dakin degradation equation leads to large errors in the thermal life prediction of cross-linkable polymer insulation, especially where the mechanical properties and the relative elongation at breaks are concerned. For some cross-linkable polymers, a new thermal degradation equation is proposed. Experimental data obtained in the accelerated thermal ageing testing of an EVA compound, based on copolymer polyethylene-vinyl acetate, antioxidants and fire proofing agents, were found to obey the new degradation equation.