EFFECTS OF INORGANIC FILLERS ON ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING OF HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE IN METHANOL

Abstract

The effects of fillers on environmental stress cracking of high-density polyethylene have been investigated. The samples filled with four kinds of inorganic fillers were prepared. The samples with a single notch and unnotched samples were fractured under constant loads in methanol environment. The relation between stress and fracture time has been studied by using unnotched samples. Furthermore, the relation between the stress intensity factor and crack propagation rate has been studied by using notched samples. From these relations, we discuss the effects of fillers on fracture behavior of high-density polyethylene in methanol environment.