A critical evaluation of analytical. techniques for the characterization of extruded dielectric cables

Various analytical techniques used to characterize cables are reviewed. It is shown that cable morphology can be evaluated simply by density and differential-scanning-calorimetry (DSC) measurements and that oxidation is best evaluated by Fourier-transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Elemental contamination is best evaluated by neutron activation analysis and proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) measurements, whereas ions can be detected by ionic chromatography. It is shown that the water content of cables can be reliably measured by commercial instruments relying on coulometry and Karl-Fischer titration.<
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