Ancient and Modern Glass, Plastics and Paint Materials

Spontaneous shattering of toughened glass

Multiple paint layers on London Underground steelwork viewed through a microscope

Contemporary building construction employs both traditional materials in modern ways and modern materials in traditional ways. Great advantages and dramatic effects are thus often achievable, but there is also increased scope for unforeseen or unpredictable difficulties.

Sandberg offers expert services in these 'ancient and modern' materials, including toughened glass which is currently popular for atria and curtain walling, plastics in their various forms, the use of which is increasing rapidly and, of course, paints.

Spontaneous fracturing, even shattering, of glass panels or fixtures can cause great alarm and Sandberg experts have been in the forefront of determining the various materials and structural causes and the means of avoidance.

Plastics, including resins and a whole range of polymer materials, have not always performed as expected and do not invariably prove to be compatible with traditional materials. Sandberg experts have frequently helped to explain, inter alia, inadequate resin hardening, plastic weld failures, premature embrittlement and occurrences of denaturing in service.

Sandberg has long experience of assisting in disputes over painting efficiency. A full range of expert services is available for determining the number, thickness, character and adhesion of paint layers on various surfaces.