BEHAVIOR OF CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENE INSULATION OF MEDIUM AND HIGH VOLTAGE POWER CABLES UNDER UV RADIATIONS

Abstract

In this study, an experimental investigation of ultraviolet (UV) radiations effects on the high voltage cable crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation characteristics is presented. Measurements of mechanical, physical and electrical properties are also performed. In order to highlight the surface damages after ageing, different complementary techniques such as attenuated total reflectance - Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy) and scanning electron microscopy are conducted. Obtained results show that several of the XPLE insulation properties are affected by exposition to UV radiations. Moreover, a correlation between mechanical, electrical and physical properties, and physico-chemical alterations was noticed. Furthermore, our study displayed prominently that there was a concurrence between crosslinking and chain breaking.