Effects of irradiation of radioactive rays in nuclear reactor on residual space charge of polyethylene

This paper describes residual space charge formation after 10 kV of voltage was removed in neutron irradiated 0.1mm thick polyethylene film. The neutron irradiation to polyethylene was performed at Kinki University reactor (UTR-KINKI) in Kindai University Atomic Energy Research Institute. The time of neuron irradiation to polyethylene was changed in the range of 3 hours. After the irradiation treatment, 10kV was applied to polyethylene for 5 minutes. After the voltage was switched off, positive polarity of residual space charge was mainly formed in neutron irradiated polyethylene. On the other hand, a small positive space charge was observed in non-irradiated polyethylene. It was also found that the total amount of residual charge in neuron irradiated polyethylene was larger than that in non-irradiated polyethylene. These results indicate that neuron irradiation to polyethylene enhances space charge accumulation in polyethylene bulk.