Dielectric study at microwave frequencies of halos in crosslinked polyethylene cable

The dielectric properties of halos in crosslinked polyethylene cable were studied using the method of time-domain reflectometry (TDR) between 1 MHz and 8 GHz. It was found that, although the halo is predominantly composed of free water, a low relaxation frequency is also present that is probably due to bound water or cumyl alcohol impurities. The water contents deduced from the TDR method and a Mitsubishi moisture meter are comparable. Water contents thus deduced were compared with measurements performed with a Mitsubishi moisture meter and the results found to be comparable. >