1 min read
What Can Dissolve Plastic?
The most common cause of plastic parts to weaken is exposure of the plastic to sunlight. Plastics consist of long polymer chain molecules which are...
Plastic Failure Analysis & Testing (2)
1 min read
How Does Plastic Decompose?
The most common cause of plastic parts to weaken is exposure of the plastic to sunlight. Plastics consist of long polymer chain molecules which are...
1 min read
Does Plastic Ever Go Away?
Generally, it takes many decades for plastics to degrade in the environment. Plastics degrade by oxidation and hydrolysis. Oxidation and hydrolysis...
1 min read
Why Does Plastic Crack Over Time?
The two main reasons why plastic parts crack over time is due to natural aging and from exposure to chemicals. As plastics parts age, they get weaker...
1 min read
At What Temperature Does Plastic Become Brittle?
The strength of plastics decreases at cold temperatures. For example, polycarbonate (PC) is an extremely tough plastic at normal use temperature and...
1 min read
Does Plastic Have Fatigue?
The plastic in rigid thermoplastic parts consists of long chain molecules entangled together like spaghetti noodles in a bowl of spaghetti. The...
How Does Polycarbonate Fail?
EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS Polycarbonate (PC) is an amorphous (non-crystalline) plastic. PC is nicknamed “bullet-proof glass” because of its highly...
3 min read
PEX Failures Due to Manufacturing Defects
PEX tubing is manufactured using polyethylene (PE). PE is a thermoplastic. Thermoplastics soften when heated allowing them to melt and flow under...
2 min read
PEX Installation Defects
A CASE STUDY The following case study is the property of Plastic Expert Group and cannot be copied or distributed without prior permission. Our case...
1 min read
CPVC Remediation From Incompatible Fire Caulk or Acoustical Caulk
When piping penetrates through a fire wall, the gap around the pipe must be sealed with fire caulk. When the penetration is not a fire-wall,...