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Kinetics and mechanisms of the low-temperature degradation of cellulose

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Abstract

A critical review is given of the degradation of cellulose in the low-temperature region (below about 300°C) of power transformer operation. The large number of kinetic studies, under a variety of environmental conditions from Kraft paper in insulating oil, to cotton and paper in oxygen, are considered in terms of a first-order polymer chain scission model. In many cases, the data are replotted to suit the model. A common activation energy of 111±6 kjmol−1 is calculated and it is shown that the pre-exponential factor, rather than the activation energy, is sensitive to the oxidizing nature of the environment and the susceptibility to degradation of the material. The chemical mechanisms of degradation are reviewed, and conclusions and recommendations are made regarding chemical condition monitoring and life prediction of electrical insulation.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Surrey, GU2 5XH, Guildford, Surrey

    A. M. Emsley

  2. Research & Engineering, National Power plc, Whitehall Way, SN5 6PB, Windmill Hill Business Park, Swinden

    G. C. Stevens

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Emsley, A.M., Stevens, G.C. Kinetics and mechanisms of the low-temperature degradation of cellulose. Cellulose 1, 26–56 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00818797

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