Forensic Polymer Engineering

Given the infinite number of applications of polymeric materials in everyday life, especially those where a failure in service may lead to economic loss, injury or death, the ability to use forensic engineering to determine the cause of the failure is essential. Forensic Polymer Engineering: Why Polymer Products Fail In Service reviews the latest forensic engineering techniques used in the investigation of failed polymer materials. It includes a series of case studies that illustrate different types of failures and the forensic engineering techniques used to investigate the failures. The book begins with an introduction to forensic polymer engineering and an overview of the examination and analysis of failed polymer components. Further chapters contain detailed case studies of failure and forensic investigation of polymeric medical devices, polymer storage tanks, small polymeric containers, polymer pipes and fittings, polymeric seals, polymeric tools and ladders, polymer components in transport applications, and polymer consumer products. The final chapter examines product failure causes, including poor manufacturing methods, poor design, poor choice of materials, and failures due to a lack of consideration for environmental factors. With its distinguished authors, this is a valuable reference for forensic experts practicing in all engineering fields that involve polymeric materials, as well as design and construction professionals, product manufacturers and insurance professionals.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Product failure. Properties of polymers. Failure modes. Methods of investigating product failure. Public information sources. References. Examination and analysis of failed components Introduction. Processing methods and defects. Mechanical testing. Techniques for recording product failures. Forensic microscopy. Types of product defect. Molecular analysis of polymer properties. Integrity of results. Conclusions. References. Polymer medical devices Introduction. Failed catheter. Failure of connectors. Failure of a breast tissue expander. Failure of sutures. Failure of breathing tubes. Conclusions. References. Polymer storage tanks Introduction. The Boston molasses disaster. Failure of polypropylene storage tanks. Failure of fibreglass storage tanks. Reconstructing the events leading to failure. Dealing with the aftermath. Setting new standards. References. Small polymeric containers Introduction. Failure of battery containers. Failure of buckets. Exploding batteries. Failed truck battery cases. Failures in miner lamp battery casings. Improving design to prevent failure. Conclusions. References. Polymeric pipes and fittings Introduction. Fracture of PVC water piping. Failure of PVC water pumps. Failures in gas pipelines. Failures in ABS pipes and fittings. Compressed gas explosion. Failures in polybutylene pipes and acetal resin fittings. Conclusions. References. Polymeric seals Introduction. Failure of elastomeric seals in brakes. The Challenger disaster. Failed elastomeric seals in a semi-conductor factory. Failures in TPE radiator washers. Failures in silicone mastics. Conclusions. References. Tools and ladders Introduction. Failure of polypropylene hobby knives. Failure of polystyrene components in hobby knives. Failure of handles in angle grinders. Failure of security caps for gas cylinders. Failure of an ABS handle. Failure of chairs manufactured from polypropylene. Failure of swimming pool steps. Failed polyamide fittings in ladders. Conclusions. References. Components in transport applications Introduction. Failure of tail pack in a motorbike accident. Failure of drive belts. Failure of tyres. Failed Rilsan nylon fuel pipes. Stress corrosion cracking of nylon connectors. Conclusions. References. Consumer products Introduction. Failure of Noryl plugs. Failure of Noryl busbar plugs. Residual current devices (RCDs). Failure of kettle switches. Failure of fittings on luggage carriers. Failure of ABS joints on bike carriers. Failure of HDPE baby cot latches. Conclusions. References. Conclusions Introduction: causes of product failure. Poor manufacturing methods. Poor design. Poor choice of materials. Environmental stresses. Access to information. References.

About the Author :
Dr. Peter Rhys Lewis is a Senior Lecturer in materials engineering at the Open University, UK. Colin Gagg is a Project Officer in materials engineering at the Open University, UK.