Effect of Antioxidants on Space Charge Generation in Cross-linked Polyethylene and EPR

To study the effects of antioxidants on space charge generation in XLPE and EPR, charge profiles in XLPE and EPR containing phenolic and sulfur type antioxidants were examined. Different charge profiles were detected in both materials containing different kinds of antioxidants. The authors discovered that a negative heterocharge is created near the positive electrode in the acetophenone-soaked XLPE containing sulfur type, or sulfur-containing phenolic, antioxidant. These results demonstrate that the heterocharge is created by the combined effect of acetophenone and a sulfur-containing antioxidant. This heterocharge creation is inferred to be caused by the combined effect of acetophenone and the species produced from antioxidants containing sulfur.