Space charge and electrical ageing of polymers in humid conditions

Abstract

Space charges appear to play an unfavourable role by providing electrical charge transport in insulating polymers. Dielectric studies, particularly in the low frequency range <10/sup -3/ Hz, thermally stimulated discharge current, thermal transient current and spatial distribution of space charges in the polymer bulk can provide useful information on the electrical health of insulating polymers, mostly in a non-destructive manner.