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Volume 5
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10.3390/macromol5020020
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Review

Degradation Mechanisms of Cellulose-Based Transformer Insulation: The Role of Dissolved Gases and Macromolecular Characterisation

by
Andrew Adewunmi Adekunle
1,*,
Samson Okikiola Oparanti
1,
Issouf Fofana
1,*,
Patrick Picher
2,
Esperanza Mariela Rodriguez-Celis
2,
Oscar Henry Arroyo-Fernandez
2 and
Fethi Meghnefi
1
1
Canada Research Chair Tier 1, in Aging of Oil-Filled Equipment on High Voltage Lines (ViAHT), University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada
2
Hydro Quebec Research Institute, Varennes, QC J3X 1S1, Canada
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Macromol 2025, 5(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol5020020
Submission received: 21 March 2025 / Revised: 9 April 2025 / Accepted: 29 April 2025 / Published: 1 May 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Advances in Cellulose-Based Materials)
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Abstract

The ageing of cellulose paper-based transformer insulation is a critical factor influencing the reliability and lifespan of power transformers, as insulating paper is not easily replaced or repaired. Therefore, this review explores the degradation mechanisms of insulating paper, emphasising the roles of dissolved gases, chemical markers, and macromolecular characterisation in assessing paper deterioration. Likewise, the impact of moisture and thermal stress on the breakdown of cellulose fibres are discussed, especially acid hydrolysis, which serves as the main degradation mechanism in cellulose insulating paper. Advanced diagnostic techniques for insulation condition monitoring, such as molecular simulations, glass transition temperature analysis, and DP estimation models, are highlighted. Furthermore, special attention is given to natural esters as alternative insulating liquids, demonstrating their ability to slow cellulose ageing through moisture absorption, hydrogen bonding stabilisation, and transesterification reactions. This paper also evaluates key chemical markers, including 2FAL and methanol, for estimating paper degradation. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms and diagnostic approaches can enhance predictive maintenance strategies and improve transformer longevity.
Keywords: cellulose paper; insulating liquid; degree of polymerisation; ageing marker cellulose paper; insulating liquid; degree of polymerisation; ageing marker

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MDPI and ACS Style

Adekunle, A.A.; Oparanti, S.O.; Fofana, I.; Picher, P.; Rodriguez-Celis, E.M.; Arroyo-Fernandez, O.H.; Meghnefi, F. Degradation Mechanisms of Cellulose-Based Transformer Insulation: The Role of Dissolved Gases and Macromolecular Characterisation. Macromol 2025, 5, 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol5020020

AMA Style

Adekunle AA, Oparanti SO, Fofana I, Picher P, Rodriguez-Celis EM, Arroyo-Fernandez OH, Meghnefi F. Degradation Mechanisms of Cellulose-Based Transformer Insulation: The Role of Dissolved Gases and Macromolecular Characterisation. Macromol. 2025; 5(2):20. https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol5020020

Chicago/Turabian Style

Adekunle, Andrew Adewunmi, Samson Okikiola Oparanti, Issouf Fofana, Patrick Picher, Esperanza Mariela Rodriguez-Celis, Oscar Henry Arroyo-Fernandez, and Fethi Meghnefi. 2025. "Degradation Mechanisms of Cellulose-Based Transformer Insulation: The Role of Dissolved Gases and Macromolecular Characterisation" Macromol 5, no. 2: 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol5020020

APA Style

Adekunle, A. A., Oparanti, S. O., Fofana, I., Picher, P., Rodriguez-Celis, E. M., Arroyo-Fernandez, O. H., & Meghnefi, F. (2025). Degradation Mechanisms of Cellulose-Based Transformer Insulation: The Role of Dissolved Gases and Macromolecular Characterisation. Macromol, 5(2), 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol5020020

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