An electric-utility-sponsored research project was undertaken tosystematically explore the effect of compounding on the wet electricalaging behavior of ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) insulating compoundsused for medium-voltage power distribution cables. A series of EPRcompounds, analogs of commercially available systems, have been preparedfor this research. The number, type, and amount of each functionalingredient has been altered in a systematic way so that its effect onthe performance of the insulation system can be assessed. A matrix of 72compounds was developed, where the functional ingredients expected tohave a major impact were treated in a full factorial matrix. Thefunctional ingredients that were considered are base polymers, clayfillers, processing aids, antioxidants, ion scavenger levels, and degreeof crosslinking. The fundamental dielectric behavior of this series ofcompounds was characterized using time domain dielectric spectroscopyand thermally stimulated current measurements
展开▼
