ASTM F1473-23

1.1This test method determines the resistance of polyethylene materials to slow crack growth under conditions specified within.

1.2The standard test is performed at 80 °C and at 2.4 MPa, but it shall be acceptable to conduct tests at a temperature below 80 °C and with other stresses low enough to preclude ductile failure and thereby eventually induce brittle type of failure. The standard test is conducted in an air environment; however, it shall be acceptable to immerse test specimens in an alternate environment such as water or a water/detergent solution, or other liquid or a different environment such as an inert gas to evaluate slow crack growth performance in different environments. Generally, polyethylenes will ultimately fail in a brittle manner by slow crack growth at 80 °C if the stress is at or below 2.4 MPa

1.3The test method is for specimens cut from compression molded plaques.2 See Appendix X1 for information relating to specimens from pipe.

1.4The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.