Evaluation of the applicability of the cracked round bar test as standardized PE-pipe ranking tool

Abstract

Several tests methods are available for the characterization of the slow crack growth (SCG) resistance of polyethylene (PE) for pipe applications. Unfortunately, due to the increase of the SCG resistance of modern PE pipe grades, these test methods are exceeding practical time frames so that new test methods for accelerated and reliable material ranking are required. The Cyclic CRB Test was proposed as a promising test method for a quick material ranking of PE pipe grades by their SCG resistance, even at ambient temperatures. In this, paper different studies about the Cyclic CRB Test are summarized. On the one hand, the results show the potential for a quick and reliable material ranking at ambient temperatures within only a couple of days, even for modern PE 100-RC grades. On the other hand, results of two Round Robin Tests will be discussed. The presented results demonstrate high reproducibility and reliability of the Cyclic CRB Test in terms of material ranking by SCG resistance.