Chemistry

The chemistry and properties of materials sometimes play a role in the causes and consequences of losses.

We have the expertise needed to understand how failures can be related to the normal use of an object or a product, and how certain external influences (such as a corrosive environment, abnormal temperatures, a contact with incompatible materials, oxidative ageing, photodegradation, and contamination) can cause behavioral problems or failures.

We can also identify if a substitution of unsuitable materials or components took place during the manufacturing process and if a manufacturer complied with its good manufacturing practices. With this knowledge, we can determine the possible contribution of manufacturers, distributors, dealers, installers, and users (including consumers) in failures causing losses.

In addition, our experts can determine if a type of loss―whether it be from fire (smoke or heat), flooding (excess humidity or spills), a chemical spill (vapor or particles) among other possible causes―affected a business or residential environment or the quality of a commercial or comestible product.