Micromechanisms of slow crack growth in polyethylene under constant tensile loading

Circumferentially notched specimens of a first generation and a third generation pipe-grade of high density polyethylene with similar weight average molar masses have been subjected to constant tensile loads at 80°C. A transition from full ligament yielding to failure by stable sub-critical crack growth was observed as the applied load was decreased. The specimen lifetimes in this latter regime were dependent on the initial stress intensity factor, Ki, and failure was associated with slow crack propagation preceded by formation of a wedge-shaped cavitational deformation zone at the notch tip. The fibril diameters in the deformation zones decreased with stress intensity factor near the transition, the limiting behaviour of a relatively slow crack growth resistant third generation grade at the lowest Ki being inferred from testing in Igepal™ to be the breakdown of diffuse zones of interlamellar voiding. This regime was not directly accessible to testing in air within the allotted experimental times. However, comparison with the results of accelerated testing in cyclic fatigue has indicated stable interlamellar voiding in the third generation grade not to necessitate the presence of Igepal. Moreover, in both grades, very similar modes of deformation were observed in air and in Igepal at relatively high Ki. Igepal was therefore inferred not to lead to qualitative changes in the range of mechanisms that are characteristic of slow crack growth in polyethylene.