A comparative study of water tree growth in low density polyethylene aged in different electrolytes

Water treeing in polymeric power cables is an important concern to manufacturers. Research to date has not clarified the mechanism but two factors regarded as important are oxidation and ion penetration. The present work reports studies performed on low density polyethylene (LDPE) aged in different electrolytes to determine if there is any relationship between these factors and water tree growth. Experimental techniques used were Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy, neutron activation analysis (NAA), thermally stimulated creep (TSCr) and DC conductivity measurements