At Kabkom Kimya, we use our Amse brand ESCR (Environmental Stress Cracking Resistance) test device in our laboratory to simulate challenging environmental conditions and test the service life and durability of the cable compounds we produce.
- Tests conducted on our cable sheath products are carried out in accordance with the EN-60811-406 standard.
- Strips of appropriate thickness are cut from the cable sheath, notched using a notching apparatus, and bent to fit into the sample holder. All procedures at this stage are aimed at subjecting the sample to stresses that would induce cracking.
- Subsequently, the samples are placed in a tube filled with 100% Igepal detergent (Method A) or 10% Igepal (Method B) as per the standard and placed in a water-filled ESCR device at 50°C. Igepal is a detergent-based oil used as a post-stabilizer.
- The samples are periodically observed, and the test continues until the appearance of cracks from the initiation of the test.
- Even the slightest deviation from “perfection” in the sample results in test failure. The maximum allowable failure rate for Method A is 50%, while Method B doesn’t accept any cracks.
- The ESCR test is specified in terms of the number of hours elapsed during the test, with a minimum duration of 360 hours (15 days) required. Observations should be made frequently during the initial 48 hours, as this is when the probability of crack formation is highest.
- Applications can be conducted for durations of 1000, 5000, or 10,000 hours.
