Radiochemical Ageing of ATH Filled Silane‐Crosslinked Polyethylene.

This study focuses on the degradation of a silane cross‐linked polyethylene (Si‐XLPE) matrix filled with three different aluminum tri‐hydrate (ATH) contents: 0, 25, and 50 phr. These materials are subjected to radiochemical ageing in air under three different dose rates (8.5, 77.8, and 400 Gy h−1) at two temperatures (47 and 21°C). Changes due to ageing have been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy, DSC analysis, and density measurements in order to more precisely define their chemical composition and microstructure and to evidence the possible influence of ATH fillers on the oxidation kinetics of the Si‐XLPE matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]