ASTM D 2561 : 2017 : R2023

1.1Under certain conditions of stress, and in the presence of environments such as soaps, wetting agents, oils, or detergents, blow-molded polyethylene containers exhibit mechanical failure by cracking at stresses appreciably below those that would cause cracking in the absence of these environments.

1.2This test method measures the environmental stress crack resistance of blow-molded containers, which is the summation of the influence of container design, resin, blow-molding conditions, post treatment, or other factors that can affect this property. Three procedures are provided as follows:

1.3These procedures are not designed to test the propensity for environmental stress cracking in the neck of containers, such as when the neck is subjected to a controlled strain by inserting a plug.

1.4The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.5This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8 and Note 1.

1.6This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.