Plastic materials offer a unique balance of strength and ductility associated with their inherent viscoelastic nature. However, they are susceptible to molecular degradation through a variety of exposures. Molecular degradation is a permanent change in molecular weight that reduces the mechanical properties and integrity of the plastic material. This degradation can occur during compounding, processing, storage, or while in service. Such degradation mechanisms include:
The various forms of molecular degradation account for approximately 20% of plastic part failure, and understanding the nature of degradation can help prevent failure. Topics covered during this session will include:
Register here: Degradation Failure of Plastics