ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Notch Tensile Test to Measure the Resistance to Slow Crack Growth of Polyethylene Pipes and Resins
 N F1473

Annotation

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

NOTE 1-This test method is known as PENT (Pennsylvania Notch Test) test.

The test is generally performed at 80°C and at 2.4 MPa, but may also be done at temperatures below 80°C and with other stresses low enough to preclude ductile failure and thereby eventually induce brittle type of failure. Generally, polyethylenes will ultimately fail in a brittle manner by slow crack growth at 80°C if the stress is below 2.4 MPa.

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

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

This 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2 Lu, X., and Brown, N., "A Test for Slow Crack Growth Failure in Polyethylene Under a Constant Load," Journal of Polymer Testing, Vol 11, pp. 309–319, 1992.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard