Risks and Limitations Associated with XLPE Nanocomposites and Blends

TLDR: In this article, a comprehensive survey of the risks, challenges, and constraints associated with electrical issues, embedded nanoparticles, crosslinking agents, recyclability, surface characteristics, and aging behaviors of crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) nanocomposites and blends is presented.

Abstract: Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) nanocomposites and blends are extensively utilized in different industries owing to their superior properties and characteristics compared to uncrosslinked and pristine polyethylene (PE). These excellent properties enable XLPE nanocomposites and blends to be employed in specialized applications and conditions. Despite their numerous favorable features, they face several risks, challenges, and problems that bring limitations and restrictions for their usage in some cases. Cable industry is one of the leading industries employing XLPE nanocomposites and blends. While these materials can grant outstanding characteristics to the cable insulation (such as dielectric properties), they can also encounter operative challenges in the meantime. This chapter attempts to define these risks and limitations via a comprehensive survey in recent case studies and publications. The described topics are categorized into several parts. They include risks, challenges, and constraints associated with electrical issues, embedded nanoparticles, crosslinking agents, recyclability, surface characteristics, and aging behaviors of XLPE nanocomposites and blends. The definitions of the mentioned problems are accompanied by the most recent and updated proposed solutions to resolve them. For providing inclusive insights in each of the categories, they are additionally subcategorized based on the suggested addressing approaches.