Diffusion of low molecular weight fluid in EPDM

EPDM is widely used in outdoor insulation. It has the ability to maintain its hydrophobic surface in the presence of moisture and pollution even after being in service for many years. The maintenance of the hydrophobicity of the surface is achieved by the diffusion of low molecular weight fluid from the bulk to the surface. This inhibits the spread of water on the insulator surface and thus reduces the formation of leakage current. The generation of the LMW fluid in EPDM was confirmed after heating at different temperatures using a Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer with an Attenuated Total Reflection attachment. By using gas chromatography (GC-MS) the fluid components were identified