The effect of water sorption on electrical, mechanical and thermal properties of organic insulating materials

The thermosetting resins are adversely affected by water sorption from humid environments. The degradation effects under temperature, humidity and stress fatigue tests have been associated with both water induced plasticization and micromechanical damages. Sorbed moisture, in fact, acting as a plasticizer and swelling agent for the resin, differently deteriorates the mechanical and chemical integrity of the polymer, causing significant changes of electrical characteristics.