Improved XLPE Water-Tree Ageing Resistance and Electrical Properties by Adoption Crosslinking Auxiliary Triallyl Isocyanurate

Triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) as a crosslinking auxiliary is commonly used to improve polymers crosslinking degree. However, the application of TAIC effect on peroxide XLPE's water-tree aging characteristics and electrical properties have not been reported at present. The modified XLPE was prepared by applying different contents TAIC with the peroxide crosslinking. The water-tree resistance of materials was investigated through accelerating aging experiments with the water blade electrode. Hydrophilic angle was used to analyze the adsorption of modified XLPE to water molecules. The change of modified XLPE on electrical properties was tested through resistivity, permittivity, and AC breakdown strength. Accelerating water-tree aging experiments verify that XLPE-0.2wt%TAIC possess the highest ability to inhibit the growth of water trees. However, the cause decrease in water-tree resistance of samples due to material absorption of excessive micro water droplets. The resistivity and AC breakdown strength of XLPE observably augments after using TAIC. Under low-frequency, XLPE-TAIC insulation loss is similar to XLPE. Adoption of TAIC can inhibit water-trees growth. The mechanism of TAIC adsorption of water molecules is the dominant factor that makes XLPE water-tree resistance significantly improved. Moreover, XLPE-TAIC shows an improvement in electrical properties.