Material Science

FTIR Analysis Identifies a Polymer Material

03 February 2022

Case Study

Envista was retained to determine the cause of a fire, believed to be ignited by a polymer material.

Since the manufacturer of this material was not responsive, Envista was called in to identify the polymer and determine if the heat in the area could have been a cause of the fire.

The material was conclusively identified using a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The material properties of the polymer were used to show that it would in fact ignite within the known timeframe and with the documented heat in the area.

Has a recent catastrophe affected you?

Our experts are ready to help.

Get In Touch

About The Author

Brad Davis, PE

Assistant Technical Director

Electrical

Mr. Brad Davis is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience providing expert consultation to the insurance and legal communities in matters of equipment losses, equipment valuation, damage assessment, and causation analysis.

Learn More About Brad

Back to the Knowledge Center

Related Resources

Case Study

FTIR Analysis Identifies Cause of Escalator Failure As part of Envista’s analysis, a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy scan was performed on several pieces of both damaged and non-damaged plastic. 03 February 2022

Case Study

FTIR Analysis Proves Manufacturing Defect Envista’s materials science expert was called in to perform testing of the lights and sent the materials to Envista’s Materials Lab for a Fourier-transform... 03 February 2022

Case Study

FTIR Analysis Proves Faulty Methods of Painting Envista's Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed why doors that had recently been painted soon after started to peel. 03 February 2022

How Can We Help You?

We have experts in multiple disciplines all around the world. Talk to us and we'll help you find the right expert for the job.