Polymer damage analysis laboratory
As a manufacturer, you want to carry out a damage analysis on your polymers.
What is polymer damage?
Polymer damage refers to the changes and damage suffered by a polymer material under the effect of time or external stresses. These stresses can be mechanical, thermal, chemical or environmental. Damage to polymers is an important aspect to take into account when designing and using them.
What form does polymer damage take?
Polymer damage can take various forms, such as degradation of mechanical properties, cracking, permanent deformation, discolouration, embrittlement, etc. The FILAB laboratory is an expert in polymer damage analysis.
The FILAB laboratory helps manufacturers analyse polymer damage
Quels sont les types d'endommagements couramment observés sur les polymères ?
There are different types of damage commonly observed in polymers, such as
Chemical degradation: Polymers can undergo degradation due to reactions with chemical substances present in the environment (solvents, acids, oxidants). These chemical reactions can result in the breaking of polymer bonds, molecular fragmentation, a reduction in molecular weight or a deterioration in the material’s properties.
Fatigue: occurs when the polymer is subjected to repeated cyclic stresses. Cyclic loading can cause micro-cracks that progressively propagate through the material, leading to a gradual reduction in the polymer’s strength and toughness.
Stress cracking: Some polymers are sensitive to stress and can crack when high mechanical stresses are applied. This phenomenon is known as stress cracking. Stresses can be mechanical, thermal or chemical in origin, and can cause cracks to form and propagate through the material.
Thermal ageing: Polymers can undergo changes in their properties over time when exposed to elevated temperatures. Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures can cause thermal degradation, leading to reduced mechanical strength, increased brittleness, changes in molecular structure and other alterations in polymer properties.
Environmental ageing: Polymers can also undergo ageing due to environmental factors such as exposure to UV rays, humidity, oxygen, ozone, chemical agents, etc. These factors can lead to a degradation of the polymer’s properties. These factors can lead to degradation of material properties, discolouration, loss of gloss, embrittlement, cracking and other changes.
Through our three levels of services: analysis, expertise and R&D support, FILAB assists companies in all sectors with their polymer damage analysis needs. FILAB provides its customers with the know-how and experience of its team, as well as a 2100m² analytical park equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
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