Date: 31 October 2014
Vistamaxx™ performance polymers can be used to improve the Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR) of high density polyethylene (HDPE). Because parts made with Vistamaxx enhanced HDPE are tougher than those made with pure HDPE, they areless likely to fail through environmental stress cracking.
Environmental Stress Cracking is a physical phenomenon that is initiated as a slow surface crack. It can lead to a catastrophic breakdown or failure of a plastic material or part. Environmental Stress Cracking can be accelerated in the presence of surface-active substances such as alcohols, soaps and wetting agents. Each substance can have a varying degree of impact on the material or part. ESCR improves with increasing molecular weight, a broad molecular weight distribution and lower MFR/MI (melt flow rate/melt index).