Crosslinked linear low density polyethylene (XLPE) containing polyolefin elastomers (POE) has been evaluated. The blends with different dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and POE contents have been prepared and processed by compression molding. A series of the samples obtained have been investigated by gel content determination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), different scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical, and dielectric behaviors measurements. The results obtained clearly show the relevant influence of the POE content, as well as of the DCP content, which tends to enhance crosslinking. As expected, the toughness of XLPE is improved by using adequate content of POE, and the blends exhibit a much more similar tensile behavior to that of elastomer. In addition, the results indicate that the blends possess the excellent dielectric behaviors, such as dielectric constant and dissipation factor. The crystallinity of the blends decreases as the DCP and POE contents increase. The melting temperature of the blends also decreases with the increase of DCP content, while POE content has few influences on the melting temperature of the blends. The SEM images strongly reveal that the blends are partially compatible, and the POE can be dispersed well in the matrix.
Summary: Water treeing is a deterioration mechanism observed in the polymeric insulation of extruded cables, which can affect the service life of the transmission and distribution XLPE power cables. To improve the water‐tree resistance of XLPE, it was blended with sodium‐neutralized EAA‐Na ionomers which were formed by neutralization of EAA with NaOH. A series of XLPE/EAA‐Na ionomer blends were investigated for their electrical properties, such as water treeing, electrical breakdown strength, dielectric constant, and dissipation factor. The results strongly suggest that EAA‐Na ionomers can improve the water‐tree resistance of XLPE, and the XLPE/EAA‐Na blends retain excellent dielectric properties. Characterization of XLPE/EAA‐Na blends by using FTIR indicates that the neutralization reaction is effectively achieved. In addition, it can be found that XLPE/EAA‐Na blends are partially compatible from observing morphology observations made by SEM and, therefore, EAA‐Na ionomers can be well dispersed in the matrix.Water tree length of the XLPE/EAA‐0.5Na blends.magnified imageWater tree length of the XLPE/EAA‐0.5Na blends.
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