Post by Mohamed Yassen

Proud to share another contribution to product safety research, now published in Applied Sciences. 📄 Seam and Face Tensile Properties of Hot-Water Bottles: Manufacturing Cohort Effects in Rubber and Plasticised PVC Hot-water bottles are widely used for pain relief and warmth, yet failures at the seam or neck can lead to serious scald injuries. Despite their widespread use, there is still limited quantitative evidence to support product safety assessment and replacement recommendations. In this study, we experimentally investigated the tensile behaviour of unused hot-water bottles manufactured in 2022 and 2024, comparing vulcanised rubber and plasticised PVC. Tensile tests were conducted on specimens taken from both the face and seam regions to evaluate how material type, manufacturing cohort, and joint location influence mechanical performance. 🔍 Key findings: • PVC exhibited higher strength and stiffness, while rubber showed greater ductility. • Mechanical performance varied with manufacturing year, and the trends differed between PVC and rubber. • Seam performance did not always match the behaviour of the bulk material, highlighting the importance of evaluating joints separately. • The results provide valuable insights for improving hot-water bottle safety assessment, durability evaluation, and replacement guidance. https://lnkd.in/ei84Mk5D