Space charge formation in quenched low density polyethylene

Effects of morphological change on space charge formation in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) at various temperatures were investigated using samples of LDPE prepared with and without quenching process. The space charge formation and decay processes were measured at room temperature, 50, and 70°C under high voltage application and short circuit condition, respectively, using the pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) method. It is found that the morphology change in LDPE due to quenching process results in the accumulation of a large amount of positive charge. The results were compared with those obtained from the same material but containing anti-oxidation additives.