Use of Nonlinear Optics for Assessment of Cable Polymer Aging

Abstract

Polymer jackets play an important protective role in distribution cabling by providing structure and resistance to moisture, heat, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Current methods of structural assessment, such as elongation at break (E-at-B), are inherently destructive. While other non-destructive methods such as indenter evaluation are available, they are not suitable for in-service use. We propose that second harmonic generation (SHG) could provide a non-destructive means of characterizing the aging of chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) cable jackets. SHG was used to study cables previously aged and characterized by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Comparative data between the SHG results and indenter modulus tests suggest that SHG can be used to qualitatively differentiate between minimally and significantly aged CSPE cable jackets. The results of this proof-of-concept study suggest additional work that could be done to better understand the mechanisms of the aging of CSPE cable jackets and how SHG could be used to monitor the aging process.