Failure analysis for polymers, plastics, and composite materials.
Intertek determines root cause and solution for polymer and plastic materials failure analysis, providing problem-solving and solutions for failure related problems. Polymer properties and characteristics are measured to help determine why polymeric materials fail. The polymer laboratories are staffed by scientists and technicians with significant expertise in multi-disciplinary failure investigation applications.
Failure analysis of plastics and polymers can involve the fracture and failure of materials such as fibres, films and membranes, polymers, engineering plastics, composites, coatings and paints. Intertek expertise includes experience with design faults, moulding issues, stress, overload, degradation, unintentional service conditions, misuse and even sabotage.
Intertek scientists have a deep knowledge of plastics and polymers raw material production processes, polymerisation technology, moulding processes and end-user applications, which vary from simple packaging films through consumer goods to advanced aerospace materials.
Failure analysis work is carried out in support of customers’ own investigations, customer complaints or liability disputes, or as part of complex litigations cases.
Polymer and Plastic Failure Analysis Testing:
- Difficult or Challenging Polymer Samples
- Additives in Polymers and Elastomers
- Contaminants and Inclusions
- Mechanical Failure
- Chemical Attack
- Trace Chemical Analysis
- Oxidative Degradation
- Failure of Fibre-reinforced Composites
- Problems related to Polymer Additives
- Weathering
- Environmental Stress and Cracking
- Residual Stresses and Weld Lines
- Polymer Odour, Tainting and Outgassing problems
- Adhesion problems with Polymers and Interfaces
- Voids, Blisters, Nibs and other Surface Defects
- Polymer Discoloration
- And additional expertise
Failure Analysis Expertise:
- Consultancy expertise Polymers and Plastics
- Analytical Testing for Polymers
- Mechanical Testing for Polymers
- Metallurgical Failure Analysis Investigations
- Failure Analysis Laboratory
Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with Polymer Failure Analysis.