Evaluation of materials for WTR-insulated power cables

In order to improve the resistance to water treeing of standard crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation used in medium voltage power cables, a number of materials were selected and studied that represent different water tree growth prevention strategies: (a) using materials with crystallinity and morphology different from that of XLPE, or (b) using additives modifying the interaction between water and materials. Two laboratory procedures were adopted that assess the water tree resistance performance of the materials through different criteria: one based on divergent field geometry (CNRS) and another based on uniform field geometry (Pirelli). Both tests are shown to be complementary in their prediction of the performance of the selected water tree resistant materials. The work reveals a specific additive that greatly increases the water tree resistance performance of the insulation in different polymeric matrices.