Physical factors influencing dielectric polymer electrical breakdown by generated space charges under a strong electric field

Abstract

Abstract The present work constitutes a contribution in studying the breakdown phenomenon generated by the electron–hole dynamics during their bipolar transport in a polyethylene film subjected to strong dc electrical field. This contribution is addressed to the analysis of the determining physical parameters effects in the electrical breakdown process within a low density polyethylene LDPE film. Indeed, the previous modeling and analysis works for breakdown phenomenon are still limited in this topic. In this regard, using our model of bipolar transport in the charged dielectrics, we present, in this article, a more complete analysis affecting more physical parameters influencing the breakdown transient dynamic process. Theses parameters are namely the applied field, the carrier mobility, the sample temperature, the injection barrier and the coefficients associated with the bipolar transport physical mechanisms. Briefly, our results highlight the existence of two classes of inverse effects and allowed us to establish new power laws. Our validation with previous work is addressed to the effect of the sample thickness on the breakdown field.