Failure Analysis Case Study

Situation: 

A national hotel chain needed answers. The plastic juice dispensers used for their continental breakfast were becoming fogged, or hazy, after repeated use. Using optical microscopy, PDI scientists noted that only the inside surface of the dispensers were affected. It was thought that the fogging could be due to the contents of the dispenser. The PDI team conducted a series of chemical analysis and exposure tests to determine the effect of the beverages on the containers. In addition, the team used various forms of microscopy and spectroscopy as part of this project.

The PDI Difference: 

Based upon the results of the various tests, the PDI scientists concluded that the citric acid in the juices was the root cause of the plastic container haziness.  Further experimentation and discovery enabled the PDI team to recommend alternate materials of construction to avoid future container fogging problems.  As a result of this project, the container manufacturer, juice supplier and hotel chain all realized both improved product performance and significant cost savings.

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