THERE ARE TWO MAIN REASONS WHY PLASTIC PARTS CRACK OVER TIME
- Natural Aging
Everything in the world that contains carbon and hydrogen, degrades over time, and therefore has an expiration date. Examples include, food, medicines and yes, even our bodies. Plastics contain carbon and hydrogen and therefore also have an expiration date (service life). As plastic parts age, they get weaker and weaker until they get so weak, they can’t sustain a load and therefore crack.
- Exposure to Chemicals
Many plastics will absorb chemicals causing the plastic to soften and become less rigid (weaken). When the softened plastic is placed under stress, the long chain molecules that make up the plastic are pulled apart and a crack develops. The process is called Environmental Stress Cracking or ESC.
