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Assessment of oxidative thermal degradation of crosslinked polyethylene and ethylene propylene rubber cable insulation
Author(s) -
Anandakumaran K.,
Stonkus D. J.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.760321808
Subject(s) - materials science , polyethylene , ethylene propylene rubber , crystallinity , differential scanning calorimetry , composite material , natural rubber , ethylene , degradation (telecommunications) , melting point , polymer , copolymer , organic chemistry , chemistry , catalysis , physics , thermodynamics , telecommunications , computer science
This paper presents procedures to monitor oxidation degradation of two commonly used cable insulations, crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) and ethylene propylene rubber (EPR). Since the techniques described require only micro specimens, deterioration of cable insulation can be monitored without destroying the function of the cable. The techniques described are melting point, crystallinity, infrared carbonyl absorbance, gel content, relative hardness, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) oxidation induction time. The techniques were applied following accelerated aging over a period in excess of two years. The results from the micro specimens were directly related to embrittlement and the decrease in ultimate elongation. The previous thermal history of XLPE was determined using DSC melting peak analysis.