Water-tree degradation in power cable insulation: understanding and prevention

Illustrates how a combination of advanced analytical techniques, including electron microscopy, proton induced X-ray emission spectroscopy and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have been employed to establish the structure, composition and origins of water-treeing. Significant improvements in the performance of crosslinked polyethylene insulation can be achieved by applying a fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical origins of damage phenomena such as water-treeing. Certain features of water-treeing are highlighted and successful routes to improve the performance of polyethylene insulation discussed