Unveiling Effects of Biodiesel and Diesel on Environmental Stress Cracking of <scp>PE</scp> ‐ <scp>HD</scp>

ABSTRACT The behavior of high‐density polyethylene with respect to resistance against environmental stress cracking (ESC) is usually regarded as an inherent material property being specific for respective types of PE‐HD and tested using standardized methods, conditions, and also standard testing liquids (usually aqueous surfactant solutions). On the other hand, for practical applications the ESC behavior of those polymeric materials, commonly used for pipes or containers, in contact with other liquids (e.g., fuels) is often of relevant interest, but for a reasonable assessment, where consistent benchmark data for a direct comparison are often missing, it is essential to determine the actually prevailing failure mode and classify it related to crack propagation or other mechanisms. Using the well‐established Full Notch Creep Test, which favorably allows for a detailed microscopic fracture surface analysis after failure, the behavior of two typical PE‐HD types for container applications is investigated in biodiesel and diesel and compared to a standard surfactant solution. This enables a clear identification of characteristic features of the interaction of biodiesel and diesel as sorptive fuels in contact with the polymer, revealing the complex interplay of sorption and plasticization as well as ESC inducing effects on PE‐HD, which could be clearly shown for both fuels.