Perhaps one of the most high profile product failure issues to affect the construction industry in recent years is that of "Pinking" i.e. the discolouration of outdoor PVC-u panels and extrusions, especially with the increase in use of PVC-u windows and doors.

The situation arose when many homeowners started to find that certain areas of their PVC-u installations had begun to develop a pinkish tinge after just five years, whilst other areas remained unaffected by exactly the same weather conditions. With many PVC-u products of this nature carrying at least a 10-year quality guarantee - a solution was not just essential it was a legal necessity.

The problem was brought to the attention of CERAM. Using sophisticated advanced analytical techniques including XPS, ToF SIMS and Dynamic SIMS (the combined results and interpretation of which divulge the exact molecular and chemical make-up of a material's extreme surface), the cause of the pinking was isolated and more importantly for profile manufacturers, a solution to the problem was provided.