Anomalous transient currents in low-density polyethylene

Transient currents in low-density polyethylene have been investigated at va rious temperatures, field strengths and for nonconditioned and conditioned samples, under vacuum and ambient air conditions. Anomalous charging and di scharging currents have been observed. The anomalous discharging current is almost the mirror image of the anomalous charging current. Two patterns ha ve been observed for temperatures below and above 50 degreesC. Three charac teristic zones have been identified, from which one may obtain information about dielectric polarization, bulk conduction effects and electrode effect s and diffusion.