Conduction stability of high-density polyethylene/carbon black composites due to electric field action

Conduction stability of high-density polyethylene/carbon black (HDPE/CB) composites with a CB volume fraction slightly above the percolation threshold is studied in relation to electric field action at various ambient temperatures below the melting point of HDPE. It is found that resistance of the composites shows considerable changes after the electric field is switched off. Influence of irradiation crosslinking of HDPE on the conduction stability is also discussed.