Thermal-Oxidative Aging Effects on the Dielectric Properties of Nuclear Cable Insulation

Abstract

In order to satisfy demands of cable insulation for nuclear power, a low-smoke, halogen-free flame retardant and better cryogenic property insulation was prepared. The effect of thermal-oxidative aging on the dielectric properties was researched in this paper. The changes of chemical structure and thermal-oxidative stability caused by aging were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and a differential scanning calorimeter. The results showed that, the oxidative-induced stability reduced as complex products accumulated during aging. The dielectric properties including polarity, conductivity and breakdown at different aging stages were measured. For comparison, tensile testing was performed. The parameters related to conductivity changed notably, and were comparable with the changes in mechanical properties.