Comparative Assessment of the Possibility of Using Gel Fraction and Network Density Indices to Characterise the Degree of Crosslinking and the Service Properties of Radiation-Crosslinked Polyethylene for Cable Insulation

Abstract

An investigation was made of the influence of the conditions of radiation crosslinking on the network density and mechanical properties of crosslinked polyethylene (XPE) at high temperatures. The optimum electron radiator generator current and speed of cable drawing that ensure the maximum network density were found. It was shown that the gel fraction does not fully characterise the degree of crosslinking and the mechanical properties of XPE.