On elementary events in the electrical failure kinetics of polymers

The kinetics of electrical failure of poly(ethylene terephthalate) under different experimental conditions is studied. Process variables are the film thickness, electrode configuration and material, presence of partial discharges, and field application conditions. It is found that the potential barrier for elementary events, which controls the failure kinetics, is nearly the same irrespective of the process, 1.1–1.3 eV. The control process is discussed.