Abstract

The present paper reports the results of a study of dielectric ageing of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) by gamma radiation. EPDM flat specimens were aged under gamma radiation with three different doses. Samples were irradiated in air up to 300 kRad with a dose rate of 51 kRad/h using a 60Co gamma source. The resistance to tracking on applying DC and AC voltage was examined. We found that the DC resistance to tracking is lower than the AC resistance. The tracking resistance under –ve DC voltages are lower than +ve DC values. With the increase in radiation dose, the DC and AC tracking resistances change in a non-linear way. The erosion depth and contact angle affected by radiation have been studied. In addition, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses were done, to analyze the morphological changes.

Submitted: July 4, 2006 · Accepted: July 24, 2007 · Published: August 28, 2007

Recommended Citation

Rajini, V. and Udayakumar, K. (2007) "Resistance to Tracking of EPDM Aged by Gamma Irradiation under AC and DC Voltages," International Journal of Emerging Electric Power Systems: Vol. 8 : Iss. 3, Article 2.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/ijeeps/vol8/iss3/art2