Semi‐conductive Polymer Composites for Power Cables

Semi‐conductive polymer composites provide a smooth, continuous, and isopotential interface between the electrodes and polymeric insulation for the power cables, which play a significant role in eliminating defects and regulating electrical potential gradients at the interface. In this chapter, the conductive mechanisms of semi‐conductive composites, involving with the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) and negative temperature coefficient (NTC) effects, are analyzed. The effects of polymer resin and conductive fillers on semi‐conductive properties are reviewed. Additionally, space charge injection and accumulation at the interface between the cable insulation and shield layers is proved to be dependent on the band structures of semi‐conductive composites acting as electrodes.