The chemical resistance of metals, plastics, and elastomers can be affected by concentration, temperature, presence of other chemicals and other factors. Understanding how materials interact and being able to predict the products of chemical reactions is one piece of the puzzle. Designing and carrying out experimental characterization of reactivity trends can be another. Fusion Engineering has the knowledge and experience performing such compatibility studies. Literature exists that provides a starting point, but often specific conditions and environmental factors require detailed exposure studies. Fusion Engineering is well suited to conduct initial literature reviews to provide preliminary guidelines, and if desired, proceed further with more extensive laboratory experimentation. If the effects of a deleterious reaction have already occurred in the form of a product failure or industrial accident, the diverse chemical and materials engineering expertise at Fusion Engineering will assist in root cause analyses. Analytical testing of residual materials and artifacts collected can provide critical evidence to help determine why a given outcome occurred.
