Packet-like space-charge behavior and conduction current in polyethylene for cable insulation

Space charge in insulating polymers is known to affect high field phenomena such as conduction and breakdown. Recently, space-charge behavior has become widely studied by utilizing various direct space-charge probing techniques, e.g. the pulse electroacoustic (PEA) method and the laser-induced-pressure-pulse ( LIPP) technique. Dynamic behavior of space charge is considered to be very important especially under very high field. Recently, packet-like space-charge behavior was reported in a power cable under high stress. We observed similar packet charge in polyethylene (PE) thin films. This report concerns packet-like space charge behavior in PE films, its relation to conduction current and its possible origin.