Model studies on phenolic antioxidant role in radiation - and thermally - induced accelerated degradation of electrical cable insulation

The main objective of this work was to establish a correlation between radiation- and thermally-induced changes in polyethylene and the amount of compounded phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1035). Radiation yield of oxygen consumption, oxidative induction time and gel fraction allowed to estimate the utility of the applied experimental methods to monitor oxidative aging of the polymeric material from the standpoint of cable and wire degradation in nuclear power plants. It was found that the phenolic antioxidant not only inhibits chain oxidation but also changes the mechanisms of radical processes influencing significantly capability of polyethylene towards thermally-induced cross-linking.