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Mechanical and electrical properties of gamma-irradiated silane crosslinked polyethylene (Si-XLPE)

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry volume 307, pages 1391–1399 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/silane compound was subjected to different treatments (thermal ageing, gamma irradiation) to improve its electrical and mechanical properties. Ageing at 80 °C for 90 days showed a decrease in tensile strength/breaking voltage, and an increase in leakage current. In contrast, gamma irradiation of LDPE/silane samples showed an augmentation in tensile strength/breaking voltage and a decrease in leakage current. Also, an improvement in the electrical properties was remarked after the thermal ageing. Irradiation of old polyethylene/silane insulated cables appeared as a good method to enhance its electrical and mechanical properties for further reusing.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the DG of the AECS for his encouragement. Thanks are also due to Mr. Khan, and Mr. Dawood for their efforts during the experiments.

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Author notes

  1. Zaki Ajji

    Present address: Department of Chemistry, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Polymer Technology Division, Department of Radiation Technology, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, P.O. Box 6091, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic

    Khaled Aljoumaa & Zaki Ajji

Authors
  1. Khaled Aljoumaa
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  2. Zaki Ajji
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Correspondence to Khaled Aljoumaa.

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Aljoumaa, K., Ajji, Z. Mechanical and electrical properties of gamma-irradiated silane crosslinked polyethylene (Si-XLPE). J Radioanal Nucl Chem 307, 1391–1399 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-015-4236-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-015-4236-9

Keywords

  • Polyethylene/silane
  • Thermal ageing
  • Gamma irradiation
  • Tensile strength
  • Breaking voltage