Damage analysis of plastic parts

The aging of plastics is an unavoidable process in which irreversible damage gradually occurs in the material. If suitable measures to delay aging are not taken, or if the stresses are higher than expected, premature failure can result.

The effects of UV radiation, oxygen and moisture as well as heat and changing mechanical stress damage the inner structure of plastics. Material properties change. Plasticizers, which are intended to prevent the material from becoming brittle, or other additives sometimes spread unevenly in the material or escape from it. Color changes, violence and fatigue bridges can follow.

Through appropriate laboratory tests we analyze the cause of the aging processes:
This makes it possible to determine whether the aging is caused by internal changes, for example, from irregularities that occurred during the production of the materials. Insufficient mixing of the components can lead to differences in concentration and to side reactions with disruptive reaction products.

UV light, moisture or aggressive media are the typical external influences.
Using systematic damage analyses based on our own laboratory tests and environmental simulation tests, our experts investigate damage to your plastic products caused by aging and embrittlement.