Representative molded housewares parts were tested to assess dishwasher stress crack resistance. Handled drinking mugs with thick bases to give a luxurious, glasslike appearance were selected for testing.
Parts were molded from Tritan copolyester and a 12 melt flow PC resin, using midpoint conditions from manufacturer's recommendations. All mugs were washed in a residential dishwasher using a leading powdered detergent.
The images below show the effect of residential dishwashing cycles on molded parts: after 8 cycles, the polycarbonate mug was badly cracked; after 15 cycles, the base was breaking and almost completely separated from the polycarbonate mug. Meanwhile, whether it's 50 cycles or even 500 cycles, a mug molded of Tritan retains its clarity and integrity.
Case Study 2
 Polycarbonate - 8 cycles (cracking) |
Polycarbonate - 15 cycles (breakage)
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 Tritan copolyester - 50 cycles (clear) |