Environmental stress cracking: A review

Abstract

Environmental stress failure of polymers (specifically glassy thermoplastics) is a major failure mode in application end use. The environmental stress failure discussion will primarily be limited to non‐reactive environments. Crystalline polymers and even lightly crosslinked polymers can exhibit similar failure to glassy polymers but often require a much higher external applied stress. The mechanisms of environmental stress cracking proposed in the literature will be discussed in detail along with testing methods commonly employed. Approaches to resolve environmental stress failure have limited discussion in the open literature although a significant number of references can be found in the patent literature. Polymer blend approaches, fiberglass reinforcement, and impact modification are areas where industry has solved the environmental stress failure problems. An additional unique mode of failure with water exposure in glassy engineering polymers yielding microcavity formation will also be discussed. Environmental stress failure is an area of considerable concern to the utilization of polymers in a myriad of applications and the unsolved problems existing in the area will be detailed suggesting the need for additional research attention. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers

Polymer Blends: Introduction

“…For automotive applications, blends have been formulated with high T g polymers (PC, PPO) with crystalline polymers (PBT, PA 66) (Robeson 2007). As applications of amorphous polymers expand in adverse environments, newer commercial blends will be developed, and the reader is referred to the recent review by Robeson (2013). This effort is likely to be aided by computational methods that have been developed in the science and technology of polymer blends.…”

Effect of Molecular Structure Parameters on Crystallinity and Environmental Stress Cracking Resistance of High‐Density Polyethylene/TiO2 Nanocomposites

“…Brown 12 studied the theory of the ESC of PE and proved that ESCR would be increased by increasing molecular weight. Robeson 13 pointed out when PE is exposed some chemical substances like alcohols, soaps, fatty acids under multidirectional stresses, it fails because of cracking. They also pointed out that a better cracking resistance could be achieved by choosing suitable high molecular weight resin or through blending polyethylene with polyisobutylene.…”

The degradation of mechanical properties in polymer nano-composites exposed to liquid media – a review

“…[35][36][37][38][39] It has been shown that brous reinforcement shows a greater ability to resist crack propagation than particulate reinforcement. [40][41][42][43][44] 3.1 Polymers reinforced with conventional and natural bres Conventional bres or synthetic bres such as carbon bre, glass bre, Aramid and Kevlar are widely used in various engineering applications. [45][46][47][48][49][50][51] High stiffness and excellent strength properties are two important factors that make the applications of these bres favourable.…”