Alternative Concepts for Extruded Power Cable Insulation: from Thermosets to Thermoplastics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Traditional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) insulation for high-voltage power cables requires crosslinking using hazardous agents, producing harmful byproducts.
• The thermoset nature of crosslinked LDPE complicates reprocessing and end-of-life recycling of cable insulation.
• There is a need for sustainable and reprocessable insulation materials for power cables.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore alternative insulation concepts for high-voltage power cables that eliminate hazardous byproducts.
• To investigate materials offering improved thermomechanical properties and enhanced reprocessability.
• To review advancements in byproduct-free curing and crosslinking-free insulation technologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent developments in polyethylene-based copolymers utilizing click chemistry for crosslinking.
• Analysis of polyolefin blends and copolymers that eliminate the need for crosslinking.
• Exploration of polypropylene-based thermoplastic formulations for higher operating temperatures.
• Investigation of polyethylene-based covalent and non-covalent adaptable networks.

Main Results:

• Alternative concepts, including click chemistry and crosslinking-free polyolefin blends/copolymers, effectively avoid harmful byproducts.
• Polypropylene-based thermoplastics offer higher temperature resistance and facilitate reprocessing via remelting.
• Adaptable networks show potential for combining thermoset and thermoplastic properties.

Conclusions:

• Novel insulation materials for high-voltage power cables are being developed to enhance sustainability and performance.
• These advancements address the drawbacks of traditional crosslinked LDPE, including hazardous byproducts and reprocessing difficulties.
• Future insulation materials may offer a balance of superior thermomechanical properties and excellent reprocessability.