Transient dynamics of packet-like space charge in low-density polyethylene at high temperatures

Among features observed in polyethylene-based materials under high fields, packet-like space charge are frequently reported but without complete theory explaining their formation and propagation. The present contribution reports transient dynamics of packet-like space charge in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) under multi-field coupling conditions based on pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) method. The measurements were carried out under −125 kV/mm at 20 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C. Space charge results reveal systematic occurrence of positive packet-like space charge in all samples generated at the anode and then moved toward the cathode. It is observed that higher temperatures contribute to the migration of packet-like space charge and field distortion. Based on the detailed injection model of packet-like space charge, it is shown that electrode injection plays a major role in the formation of positive packet-like space charge, the total amount and depth not only depend on the temperature, but also the negative charges dynamics. Packet-like space charge phenomena at different temperatures still feature NDM relationship with the nonlinear increase of migrate velocity as the rise of temperature.