Analysis of thermal and mechanical properties of cable insulations designed for operation under emergency conditions

Abstract

Paper is focused on a comparison of thermo mechanical properties of two plastic insulation materials used for cable sheaths. First measurement was analysed in the temperature range from ambient temperature to 60 °C because of possible laying of the cables during higher temperatures than ambient temperature. Tensile strength and elongation at break were measured by universal testing machine at following temperatures: 22 °C (ambient temperature), 40, 50, 55 and 60 °C. Results show maximum temperatures suitable for laying of the cables. The measurement of softening temperatures of sheathing materials by the thermo mechanical analysis (TMA) followed. It was determined, that recognizable change of properties is coming in the temperature interval from 60 to 100 °C, which corresponding with the start of melting. Results from the thermo mechanical analysis in a dynamic mode (DTMA) provide also information about glass transition. Copyright © (2012) by Danube Adria Association for Automation and Manufacturing (DAAAM).