An evaluation of butyl rubber insulated cable

PRIOR TO THE DEVELOPMENT of butyl rubber, high-voltage ozone-resisting compounds utilized natural rubber, which requires complete protection by thoroughly dispersing the natural rubber in a vegetable oil derivative or “factice.” This coated the rubber particles and protected these highly unsaturated molecules from attack by oxygen, ozone, and ultraviolet light. These oil-base insulations, when carefully formulated and processed, have given excellent service within their limits of operating temperatures and environment. However, as with all materials such limitations do exist and, thus, generate the constant search for materials with improved inherent properties.