#environmentalstresscracking

Plastic products may appear strong during normal mechanical testing, but their performance can change when mechanical stress and chemical exposure occur together. Over time, this combination can lead to small cracks and premature product failure. This phenomenon is known as Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC).

The Environmental Stress Cracking Resistance Tester (ESCR) is designed to evaluate how effectively suitable plastic and polymer materials resist cracking under controlled stress, temperature and environmental exposure conditions.

ESCR testing is particularly useful for HDPE, LDPE, plastic bottles, containers, caps, closures, chemical packaging and molded plastic components. It helps manufacturers compare different polymer grades, evaluate raw-material quality, study formulation changes and maintain consistency between production batches.

Testing can also provide valuable information for R&D and quality-control teams when investigating unexpected cracking problems or selecting materials for applications involving detergents, surfactants and other environmental agents.

ESCR Testing Complete Guide to Environmental Stress Cracking Resistance is a commonly referenced test method for evaluating the environmental stress-cracking resistance of ethylene plastics. Following defined test conditions helps laboratories obtain meaningful and comparable results.

Pacorr Testing Instruments provides Environmental Stress Cracking Resistance Tester (ESCR) solutions for plastic manufacturers, packaging industries, polymer laboratories and quality-control facilities.