Origin of Heterocharge in Polyethylene

Abstract

The effects of low molecular weight chains of PE and chemical change during the sample preparation investigated in order to clarify the origins for heterocharge in LDPE which does not contain antioxidants. Both were found to affect the formation of space charge in LDPE. Low molecular weight chains of PE encourage the formation of heterocharge by polarization or migration mechanisms. The carbonyls formed at the surface of a LDPE sample during sample preparation reduce the heterocharge by an enhanced charge injection. The nature of the chemical change during sample preparation is also discussed in the text