Failure Analysis -
Material Composition/Product Failure
To determine the causes of a breakdown or failure of a product the first thing to consider is the overall
composition of the materials that make up the product, i.e. the identification and percent composition of all of
the components.
Often the causes of failure are that the wrong materials were used in the product's fabrication, or perhaps,
the materials were not processed correctly, e.g. poor annealing, rapid drying, incomplete curing, etc.
Investigation of causes of product failure can be summarized for each type of material as follows:
Material Composition/Product Failure
To determine the causes of a breakdown or failure of a product the first thing to consider is the overall
composition of the materials that make up the product, i.e. the identification and percent composition of all of
the components.
Often the causes of failure are that the wrong materials were used in the product's fabrication, or perhaps,
the materials were not processed correctly, e.g. poor annealing, rapid drying, incomplete curing, etc.
Investigation of causes of product failure can be summarized for each type of material as follows:
Polymer and Plastics The identification of all the major components of a molded of extruded plastic
product and determination of percent composition and comparison with the composition of a known, well
performing material.
Determination of the pertinent physical properties of the plastic material, e.g. impact strength, tensile
strength, etc.
Determination of the effect of certain chemical agents such as oils, acids, soaps, etc. on the plastic's
performance (e.g. Stress Crack testing).
Rubbers and Resins For rubber and resin compounds the correct composition of all components
is extremely important to the product's performance. The complete breakdown of the material's composition
should be carried out and compared with the composition of a known good product.
The important physical properties of the product should be determined e.g. hardness, elasticity and
compared with the required specifications.
Tests should be carried out to determine if the rubber/resin product is properly cured and if it is resistant to
attack by oils, fuels, etc.
Paints, Coatings and Adhesives
Paints and coatings are usually complex formulations consisting of unique organic resins, plasticizers,
pigments, extenders, fillers, hardeners, etc.
These essential components are usually dissolved or suspended in an aqueous or solvent medium which
is designed for best application characteristics.
Hence the starting point in understanding why a coating fails in a certain application is to determine its exact
composition.
The causes of adhesive failure also comes down to their composition. If the right components are not used
in its formulation it cannot be expected to perform well.
product and determination of percent composition and comparison with the composition of a known, well
performing material.
Determination of the pertinent physical properties of the plastic material, e.g. impact strength, tensile
strength, etc.
Determination of the effect of certain chemical agents such as oils, acids, soaps, etc. on the plastic's
performance (e.g. Stress Crack testing).
Rubbers and Resins For rubber and resin compounds the correct composition of all components
is extremely important to the product's performance. The complete breakdown of the material's composition
should be carried out and compared with the composition of a known good product.
The important physical properties of the product should be determined e.g. hardness, elasticity and
compared with the required specifications.
Tests should be carried out to determine if the rubber/resin product is properly cured and if it is resistant to
attack by oils, fuels, etc.
Paints, Coatings and Adhesives
Paints and coatings are usually complex formulations consisting of unique organic resins, plasticizers,
pigments, extenders, fillers, hardeners, etc.
These essential components are usually dissolved or suspended in an aqueous or solvent medium which
is designed for best application characteristics.
Hence the starting point in understanding why a coating fails in a certain application is to determine its exact
composition.
The causes of adhesive failure also comes down to their composition. If the right components are not used
in its formulation it cannot be expected to perform well.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
