The IEC 60811-406 standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) describes the procedure for evaluating the stress cracking resistance of polyethylene and polypropylene compounds typically used for communication and fiber optic cables.
Unless otherwise stated, tests are performed at room temperature. Two test procedures are applied to materials, depending on the wiring conditions and environments:
These test methods are valid only for the original granules used as coating materials.
In polyethylene and polypropylene compounds, cracks usually start with small defects and spread to nearby areas of polymer structures. The ability of a plastic sample or a polymer to resist slow growth in cracks or environmental stress cracking is commonly known as environmental stress cracking resistance.
Environmental stress crack resistance is a vital property necessary for the longevity of plastics. It is one of the most common causes of unexpected brittle failure in thermoplastics. Environmental stress cracking accounts for approximately 30 percent of all plastic component failures in service. Therefore, testing plastics for environmental stress crack resistance is a necessity for manufacturers.
Stress cracking is internal or external cracks that occur in plastic as a result of stresses less than its short-term mechanical strength. This type of cracking is usually caused by ductile or minimal shrinkage of the plastic material from adjacent surface breakage. The best form of slow crack growth is environmental stress cracking. Often in the presence of wet active substances such as soap, surfactants, alcohol and others, the samples undergo cracking. In the absence of surfactants, these fractures do not occur in a reasonable time under the same conditions. Different polymers show different environmental stress crack resistance.
Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides resistance testing services against stress cracking of polyethylene and polypropylene compounds, within the scope of IEC 60811-406 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
To get an appointment, to get more detailed information or to request an evaluation, you can ask us to fill in our form and reach you.
