Structural Design and Performance of XLPE for Cable Insulation

Abstract

Polyethylene’s inherent characteristics of toughness, resistance to chemicals and moisture, low temperature flexibility and excellent electrical properties, along with low cost and easy processability, make it a very desirable material for insulating low-, medium- and high-voltage electric cables. A historical perspective of power cable materials development and design considerations is provided, which provides a basis for the widespread use of crosslinked low-density polyethylene materials today. Structural characteristics are linked to fundamental, rheological, chemical and dielectric material properties. The industry specifications guiding the technical material design choices are presented. Some material advancements in the insulation field are also discussed in context to the application environments to which they are exposed. Fundamental material properties impacting the performance of cables are also reviewed.