Influence of the molecular structure on slow crack growth resistance and impact fracture toughness in Cr-catalyzed ethylene-hexene copolymers for pipe applications

In this study we correlate parameters describing molecular structure (molar mass distribution, short chain branching content, intermolecular heterogen eity) of different ethylene-hexene Cr-catalyzed copolymers, with slow crack growth and rapid crack propagation resistances, respectively measured with Bent Strip and Charpy tests. The PTREF technique, coupled with classical t echniques, was used. Two new indices were proposed to correlate mechanical properties and molecular structure. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.