This article discusses the most common thermal analysis methods for thermosetting resins. These include differential scanning calorimetry, thermomechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The article also discusses the characterization of uncured thermosetting resins as well as the curing process. Then, the techniques to characterize the physical properties of cured thermosets and composites are presented. Several examples of stress-strain curves are shown for thermosets and thermoplastic polymers.

This article provides information on the chemical characterization of surfaces by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). It describes the basic theory behind each of these techniques, the types of data produced from each, and some typical applications. The article explains the strengths of AES, XPS, and TOF-SIMS based on data obtained from the surface of a slightly corroded stainless steel sheet.

This article covers the three most popular techniques used to characterize the very outermost layers of solid surfaces: Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Some of the more important attributes are listed for preliminary insight into the strengths and limitations of these techniques for chemical characterization of surfaces. The article describes the basic theory behind each of the different techniques, the types of data produced from each, and some typical applications. Also discussed are the different types of samples that can be analyzed and the special sample-handling procedures that must be implemented when preparing to do failure analysis using these surface-sensitive techniques. Data obtained from different material defects are presented for each of the techniques. The examples presented highlight the typical data sets and strengths of each technique.

This article discusses the operating principles, advantages, and limitations of scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy that are used to analyze the surface chemistry of plastics.

While there are many fracture mechanisms that can lead to the failure of a plastic component, environmental stress cracking (ESC) is recognized as one of the leading causes of plastic failure. This article focuses on unpacking the basic concepts of ESC to provide the engineer with a better understanding of how to evaluate and prevent it. It then presents factors that affect and contribute to the susceptibility of plastic to ESC: material factors, chemical factors, stress, and environmental factors. The article includes the collection of background information to understand the circumstances surrounding the failure, a fractographic evaluation to assess the cracking, and analytical testing to evaluate the material, design, manufacturing, and environmental factors.