Characterisation of charge carrier traps in polymeric insulators

Abstract

The presence of space charge is thought to play a significant role in determining the electric field distribution of an insulating material such as polyethylene. The present paper focuses on the relation between atomic defects and space charge formation. The ability of defects to trap electrons in a model material is investigated using density functional theory calculations. A set of physical defects, chemical impurities and additives commonly found in polymeric insulators used for high-voltage cable insulation are considered. From the electron affinity of the model material, the trapping energies are computed.