What are the stress-cracking resistance tests for polyethylene outdoor trash cans?

Polyethylene outdoor trash cans require excellent environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) to withstand long-term exposure to weather, chemicals, and physical stresses. Key standardized tests evaluate this critical property. The ASTM D1693 Bent Strip test is the most common method, where notched specimens are bent into a frame and immersed in surfactant solution at elevated temperatures, with failure times measured. The ASTM D5397 Notched Constant Ligament Stress (NCLS) test provides more precise data by applying constant stress to notched samples. For real-world simulation, the Bell Telephone test subjects samples to aggressive environments. Additionally, manufacturers conduct full-scale product tests using actual trash can components exposed to stress and chemicals. These evaluations ensure polyethylene resins meet durability requirements for outdoor applications, typically requiring 500+ hours without failure in standardized tests to guarantee decade-long service life.