The influence of temperature on the electrical resistivity of the cellular polypropylene and the effect of activation energy
In this paper, we determine the surface and volume electrical resistivity of the 50 μm thick cellular polypropylen (VHD50), for the temperature range 393–453 K. For this we use a contemporary methodology, which consist of a voltage measurement across the sample, with a known current flowing through it. This methodology includes a three-electrode system, which allows us to estimate the resistivity of the samples, based on their corresponding total resistances. The electric fields applied for a time interval of 1 min are of the order of 200 kVm−1. The order of magnitude of surface and volume electrical resistivity is 1013 Ω and 1011 Ωm, respectively. For both types of the resistivity, the temperature dependence is an increasing or decreasing exponential function, depending on the type of the activation energy, (its average value for the temperature range mentioned above is 41,20 kJmol−1), totally confirmed by the corresponding theoretical interpretation, conditioned by the ionic conduction.The methodology and equipment used, as well as the satisfying accordance with the results, found out directly or indirectly with the consulted literature, confirm the high accuracy of experimental measurements.
Online degradation of biaxial-orientated polypropylene film from HVDC filter capacitors
A comparative study of biaxial-orientated polypropylene (BOPP) films extracted from one failed HVDC filter capacitor (serving for 10 years) and one fresh capacitor (spare capacitor from the same batch) is reported in this paper. Experimental results show that the 10-year online operation does not bring about molecular changes; however, molecule reorganization and recrystallization was detected using differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis tests. Electrical measurements including dielectric spectra, DC conductivity measurement, DC breakdown strength and were also performed. The experimental results show that the aging process causes an increase in dielectric constant, dissipation factor, DC conductivity, and the DC breakdown strength. Thermal stimulated current measurements indicate that traps were introduced by aging and are responsible for such abnormal changes. The nano-cavitivies generated by molecule reorganization could possibly act as charge traps. Therefore, homo-charges can accumulate in the vicinity of the electrodes, leading to the degradation of long-term withstand strength but an enhancement of short-term breakdown strength.
Microstructure of the solder-casting zone in bridges of dental gold alloys.
The composition and structure were studied in the cast and in the solder of bridges which had failed clinically. Both materials were gold alloys but with different contents of Pt, Ag and Zn. The metallographic investigation revealed defects mostly in the solder, situated in the subsurface layer. SEM studied of the fracture surface revealed large porosites and a structure of dense parallel lines--striations--, indicating that the material had failed from fatigue. The materials in the fractured bridges were identified by micro-probe measurements. It was stated that cast material and solder material used together, were of different composition.