Analysis of the Degradation of Polyethylene in Air Using Electrical and Physical Data

Published

December 1, 1998

Author(s)

J. C. Horwath, D. L. Schweickart, Yicheng Wang

Abstract

Discharge currents and degradation of polyethylene from high dc electric field stress in air were investigated. A positive point-to-plane configuration was used with thin polyethylene samples on the cathode surface. Voltage, spacing and relative humidity were independent variables. The surface chemistry and resistivity of the samples evidence changes as degradation occurred. This changing boundary condition affected the gaseous discharge. Both electrical and physical measurement techniques have been utilized to characterize the degradation. Electrical measurements include surface resistivity measurements, pulse train recording of partial discharges, and continuous current measurements. Physical measurements include X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) roughness measurements, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy spectra.

Proceedings Title

Proc., Intl. Symp. on Gaseous Dielectrics

Conference Dates

June 2-5, 1998

Conference Location

Virginia Beach, VA

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

degredation, humidity effects, partial discharge, polyethylene

Citation

Horwath, J. , Schweickart, D. and Wang, Y. (1998), Analysis of the Degradation of Polyethylene in Air Using Electrical and Physical Data, Proc., Intl. Symp. on Gaseous Dielectrics, Virginia Beach, VA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=17753 (Accessed October 11, 2025)