Injection of a minimal space charge as mechanism for the initial phase of electrical polymer degradation

Author

Stucki, F.

Author_Institution

ABB Corp. Res., Baden-Dattwil, Sweden

Volume

1

Issue

2

fYear

1994

fDate

4/1/1994 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

231

Lastpage

234

Abstract

In this paper we present a model for polymer degradation during high-field stresses in analogy to the charge-to-breakdown concept in SiO ₂. The model is based on space charge injection under high fields which leads to a cumulative effect as in radiation damage. A critical total injected charge density Q_c is introduced, which is needed prior to any permanent damage. The assumption of a critical injection level explains the time and field dependence of the tree initiation time. The model is applied to electrical aging experiments in epoxy resins. It turns out that the critical charge for tree initiation is ~10 C/cm² similar to the value for trap creation in SiO₂ gate oxides

Keywords

ageing; electric breakdown of solids; organic insulating materials; polymers; space charge; charge-to-breakdown concept; critical charge; critical total injected charge density; cumulative effect; electrical aging; electrical polymer degradation; epoxy resins; field dependence; high-field stresses; minimal space charge mechanism; model; space charge injection; time dependence; tree initiation time; Aging; Breakdown voltage; Electric breakdown; Electrodes; Epoxy resins; Polymers; Space charge; Stress; Thermal degradation; Trees - insulation;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1070-9878

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/94.300255

Filename

300255