Home >> Application >> By Standard >> ASTM >> ASTM E-F >> ASTM F1473 Notch Tensile Test to Measure the Resistance to Slow Crack Growth of Polyethylene Pipes and Resins

ASTM F1473 Notch Tensile Test to Measure the Resistance to Slow Crack Growth of Polyethylene Pipes and Resins

Share:

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


Standard scope:

ASTM F1473 (officially titled Standard Test Method for Notch Tensile Test to Measure the Resistance to Slow Crack Growth of Polyethylene Pipes and Resins) is also known as the PENT (Pennsylvania Notch Test). It is the most widely used accelerated test method for evaluating the slow crack growth (SCG) resistance of polyethylene (PE) materials, especially for PE pipe resins and products. 


ASTM F1473 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

NOTE 2-When testing in environments other than air, it is recommended to consider maintaining the efficacy of the test media (for example, a detergent solution) to minimize any effect of aging.


Test Method Overview:

Core Purpose: Quantify the resistance of polyethylene to slow, brittle crack propagation under constant tensile load, elevated temperature, and a sharp notch.

Accelerated Conditions (Standard):

Temperature: 80 °C

Applied Stress: 2.4 MPa

Environment: Air (water/detergent or other media optional)ASTM

Failure Mode: Brittle fracture via slow crack growth from the notch tip (no ductile yielding).

Output: Time-to-failure (hours/days) under specified conditions; longer time = better SCG resistance.


Test Principle of ASTM F1473:

Stress Concentration: A sharp notch creates a high local stress concentration, mimicking real‑world flaws (e.g., scratches, weld defects) in PE pipes.

Accelerated Aging: Elevated temperature (80 °C) and moderate constant stress (2.4 MPa) accelerate the molecular chain disentanglement and crack propagation that occurs slowly at ambient conditions.

Brittle Fracture: Under these conditions, PE fails by slow, stable crack growth (not ductile rupture) from the notch tip. The time to failure directly reflects the material’s inherent resistance to SCG.

Correlation: Longer failure times correlate with better long‑term (50+ year) service performance in pressure pipes.


Test Equipment Required: 

EquipmentKey Requirements
Constant-Load Tensile FrameLever‑type (5:1 ratio preferred), dead‑weight, or computer controlled servo‑controlled; maintains constant tensile load.
Temperature‑Controlled ChamberMaintains 80 ± 1 °C; uniform air circulation
Notching Machine

Razor‑blade notcher to create a sharp, controlled V‑notch (main depth ~3.5 mm; side groove: 1mm)

ASTM F1473 Notch Tensile Test to Measure the Resistance to Slow Crack Growth of Polyethylene Pipes and Resins

Alignment JigEnsures specimen/grip alignment to avoid bending stress.
TimerAccuracy ≥ 1%; auto‑stops on specimen failure
Specimen GripsSmooth, non‑slip; no notch damage during clamping


ASTM F1473 Notch Tensile Test to Measure the Resistance to Slow Crack Growth of Polyethylene Pipes and Resins

The test method is for specimens cut from compression molded plaques.


Why This ASTM F1473 Notch Tensile Test Is Critical for Polyethylene: 

1 Dominant Failure Mode in Service

Slow crack growth is the primary failure mechanism for PE pressure pipes under long‑term, low‑level stress (e.g., internal pressure, soil movement).

It causes brittle, catastrophic failure without warning—far more dangerous than ductile rupture.

2 Accelerated Prediction of Long‑Term Life

Tests at 80 °C/2.4 MPa yield results in days/weeks, vs. years for real‑time hydrostatic testsASTM.

Enables rapid material screening and quality control without waiting for decades of field data.

3 Material Design & Safety

Distinguishes high‑performance PE100 from lower grades; PE100 requires superior SCG resistance for 50‑year design life.

Ensures pipes resist failure from minor flaws (notches, scratches) introduced during manufacturing, installation, or service.

4 Regulatory & Market Requirement

Mandated by global standards (ASTM, ISO, EN) for PE pipe material qualification and product certification.

A key performance metric for material selection in gas, water, and industrial piping systems.

Related products and device

ASTM F1473 Electronic Universal Testing machine

WDW Series Computer Control Electronic Universal Testing Machine made by UNITEDTEST range from 100N to 600KN load capacity with various models like single columns, table type, door frame type etc., is used to perform tension, compression, flexure/bending, shearing, peeling etc., test for metal and nonmetal specimens. Matched with UNITEDTEST design and produced various test fixture, like peel, flexure, puncture, tear, pneumatic grip, belt tension etc., this UTM can be used to almost all materials include but not limited to steel rod, rubber, steel wire, plastic, seat belt, textile, wood, panel etc., mechanical performance inspection.

ASTM F1473 High temperature furnace

High temperature furnace chamber for tensile testing machine, furnace have a columnar split structure, three stage control function. Mainly consists of furnace, temperature controller, high temperature pull rod, high temperature clamp, high temperature extensometer and supporting device.

ASTM F1473 Sample Notching Machine

Sample preparation notch machine for impact tester is used to process the non-metal material impact test specimen, such as the plastics, organic glass etc., Uses electric drive and is equipped with specialized cutting tools, allowing for fast and precise processing.

< Previous: ASTM F1306 Penetration Test of Flexible Barrier Films and Laminates

> Next: ASTM F1717 Spinal Implant Constructs Test

Require More Customized Solutions?

We offer customization to meet your specific needs. Our expert team will collaborate with you to develop the perfect product for you
Customize Now

Beijing United Test Co., Ltd.