PROJECT TITLE :

Evaluation of polypropylene/polyolefin elastomer blends for potential recyclable HVDC cable insulation applications

ABSTRACT:

This paper evaluates the microstructure and properties of polypropylene/polyolefin elastomer (PP/POE) blends for potential recyclable HVDC cable insulation applications. PP/POE blends with totally different POE content were ready by soften mixing. The introduction of POE results in a slight decrease of the melting points but improves the flexibility of PP. Compared with PP, the volume resistivity of the blends shows a decrease at low loading of POE and starts to extend when the POE loading is higher than 15 wt%. After the introduction of POE, the DC breakdown strength is slightly decreased and therefore the hetero house charge accumulation is enhanced. Although the electrical properties of the PP/POE blends are inferior to those of the pure PP, the improved flexibility, high volume resistivity, high breakdown strength plus the excellent thermal properties create the PP/POE blends have the potential for HVDC cable application. The hetero space charge accumulation continues to be a difficulty, and more modification of the blends should be thought of for suppressing the house charges.