Thermal aging of electrical cable insulation made of cross‐linked low density polyethylene for under‐hood application in automotive industry

The thermal aging of two electrical cable insulations made cross-linked low density polyethylene (XLPE) only differing by their stabilization system was studied in air between 125 and 200°C. chemical consumption the types antioxidants (phenol sulfide), build-up oxidation products consequences on mechanical properties were respectively determined measurement induction time (OIT), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) uniaxial tensile testing. It found that each antioxidant occurs turn almost independently, starting with sulfide involving small but well detectable antagonistic effects. As soon as concentration becomes very low, is, practically undetectable OIT measurements, XLPE is detected FTIR causing a catastrophic decrease fracture properties. shown complete coincides end period onset sudden elongation at break. Based all these experimental results, simplified kinetic model developed to account faithfully possible for kinetics antioxidants, evaluate effects and, using relevant end-of-life criterion, predict lifetime insulations. satisfying agreement theory experiment.