Electroluminescence and electrical tree inception at an XLPE-semicon interface

Abstract
The characteristics of EL (electroluminescence) at a semiconductor protrusion embedded in XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) were studied for specimens containing different gases in their free volume. The spectra of EL and the tree inception voltage (TIV) of normal XLPE, containing air, are compared to those of degassed and N/sub 2/-impregnated polymer. The TIV of normal specimens, containing air, was lower than that of degassed or N/sub 2/-impregnated polymer. The results indicate that at room temperature the tree initiation mechanisms at a XLPE-semiconductor interface and at a metallic needle embedded in LDPE (low-density polyethylene) are similar and suggest that oxygen present in the free volume of the polymeric insulation could play an important role in the deterioration of XLPE insulation subjected to high electrical stress.

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