PE300 Cryogenic High Voltage Insulators

In growing field of cryogenic applications, the proper choice of material is an important issue. For example, in the Cryogenic High Voltage Lab at the KIT-ITEP a material is needed for investigations of flashover voltages at cryogenic temperatures. The following material properties are required for this application: high flashover resistance, smooth surface to enable easy detachment of stainless steel components of high voltage facility, appropriate mechanical properties at room temperature and 77 K. Also, low costs and simple mechanical handling are desired. One possible candidate was found to be PE300. HV tests and mechanical investigations were performed on this material to check its applicability as an insulating material in the cryogenic environment. As it was expected, mechanical properties differ significantly when temperature changes from RT down to 77 K.
In this report the flashover resistance and mechanical properties measurements results are presented, and usability concept of PE300 in cryogenic environment is discussed.