Full Notch Creep Test FNCT

The FNCT is a test method to define the environmental stress cracking behaviour of polyethylene under exposure of a surface-active agent, which accelerates the cracking behaviour, and with a revolved notch in the sample, which initialise the crack formation. The system detects the time to breakage, which is submitted through imitation of the environmental conditions by interrupting the sample with a constant load, and classifies the material according to its stress cracking. Originally developed to evaluate PE materials for pipes, it is also used to investigate the fracture behaviour and durability of samples made with other manufacturing methods and polymers.

Especially notable as an optional feature is the “FNCT Job Manager” software, which enables a measurement planning of jobs at the desk instead of the FNCT. It analyses all single jobs, but disposes also a grouping function to analyse a set of jobs in relation. Finally, several FNCTs can be simultaneously coordinated and equipped with different jobs. The definition of the new FNCT requirement profile is developed with the Polymer Physics & Characterization Laboratory of LyondellBasell, Frankfurt and successfully realised by Optical Control Systems GmbH.

Performance characteristics

15 sample stations with independent force application & independent data recording
Continuous basin monitoring by an integrated pH-value measuring, and
Complies with the ISO16770.

Technical data

FNCT
Load range	4 - 6 GPa on 10x10x100mm 6 - 9GPa on 6x6x90mm
Force	approved for 0.1 N, individual calibration by sample and position
Calibration accuracy	better than + / - 1%
Time resolution	1 sec (real time clock)