Testing & Analysis

PVC Discoloration

By Dr. Duane Priddy Sr. · Published December 17, 2016

FORENSIC EVIDENCEPictured: White boat vinyl upholstery with a band of mottled tan and orange discoloration across its surface

FORENSIC EVIDENCE

Pictured: White boat vinyl upholstery with a band of mottled tan and orange discoloration across its surface

PVC fabrics are used extensively in boats. Glen Raven Fabrics decided to hire Plastic Expert Group to figure out the root cause of the PVC discoloration. We performed an extensive analysis of discolored PVC fabrics to identify the chemistry taking place in the fabric that was causing the discoloration (called “pinking”). We discovered that the amine catalyst in the polyurethane foam backing underneath the PVC was migrating into the PVC causing it to degrade and discolor. Glen Raven published the results of our work in Marine Industry magazines in order to get the word out that the root cause of the discoloration problem had been finally figured out.

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$A sectioned black plastic assembly with a row of metal-lined ports, showing a large irregular fractured opening and loose debris where material has broken away$