High performance polymer blend systems for HVDC applications

Two polyethylene and two polypropylene blends crystallized under non-isothermal conditions were compared to a crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) reference material. Selected blends contained a gelation agent, which forms a network structure within the material. Compared to XLPE, the blends offered higher melting points, reduced electrical conductivity, increased electrical breakdown strength, improved space charge performance and enhanced thermo-mechanical stability. Additional improvements in space charge behavior were also noted in systems containing the DBS gelation agent. The ability to provide recyclable insulation materials capable of operating at much higher temperatures than XLPE, combined with enhanced dielectric properties, may prove advantageous to cable manufacturers, particularly in renewable energy applications.