Ageing evaluation of cable insulations subjected to radiation ageing: Application of principal component analyses to Fourier Transform Infra‐Red and dielectric spectroscopy

The evolution of properties crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE)-based insulating materials under radio-chemical ageing conditions is presented and discussed. In total, seven different polymer compounds were tested, characterised by an increasing quantity additives, for example, antioxidants (AOs) fillers as flame retardants. Samples analysed using testing techniques, that is, Fourier Transform Infra-Red dielectric spectroscopy. This allowed a broad characterisation the polymer, bringing to good correlations between arising new chemical groups caused modifications on complex permittivity. Phenol-based AOs are found be most efficient in terms protection against oxidation. On contrary, retardants concluded not have any impact material ageing. Acquired data then treated principal component analysis. treatment successfully distinguished composition (with without additives) environments. results confirm relevance this analysis understanding irradiation functional studied.