Investigation on Electroluminescence Phenomenon in Insulating Polymers under the Influence of Different Gas Environments

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Description/Abstract

Space charge plays a significant role in longterm electrical degradation of polymeric insulation in high voltage cables. Thus many researchers are interested to investigate further on the energy dissipation of mobile and trapped charges in the molecules of the dielectric medium. This dissipation process is associated with the emission of visible photons, a process known as electroluminescence (EL), which has been observed in various materials. Optical emission has also been considered as a direct proof of excited and chemically reactive states; therefore the existence of EL can be regarded as a pre-breakdown warning. This paper will outline the experiment taken to study EL phenomenon in low-density polyethylene (LDPE); the most common type of material used for high voltage cable insulation. In addition to that, the effect of different gas environment has on EL will also be assessed. It has been found that gas diffusion does play a role on the process leading to EL in polymers.