Effect of surfactants in water treeing

The influence of surfactants on water tree initiation and growth was studied using the water needle method in polyethylene specimens. According to their nature (ionic or anionic) and concentration, they may promote or reduce the water treeing phenomenon. Anionic surfactants in solution in water significantly influence the initiation and growth of water trees in polyethylene. At low concentration-below the CMC (coexistence of micelles and monomers) point-the propagation rate is larger than with the simple corresponding sodium salt. At high concentration-above the CMC point-a large initiation delay is observed and the propagation rate is lower than below the CMC point. >