Non-contact Quantitative Microwave Detection of Radiation Induced Degradation of Polymers (IV)

It is very important to measure the degree of deterioration for the cable used in long-term operated nuclear power plants. We developed the nondestructive measurement technology utilizing microwave technology to assess cable degradation. In the present study, microwave frequency of the Q-band (43GHz) was used for the dielectric absorption measurement. The material used for dielectric absorption measurement was the radiation/thermal aged cable which was produced by JNES. The data for dielectric absorption measurement showed a correlation with the master curve for tensile elongation. The dielectric absorption measurement has proved to be an effective non-destructive diagnosis technology to assess the degradation and residual life for electrical cables of the EP rubber cable type tested at radiation/thermal aging condition in the test.