For many years, this mini-encyclopedia of information on the fire properties of plastics has been widely used and recognized as a basic guide and reference to the fire behavior and fire retardance of plastics. This fifth edition of the Flammability Handbook for Plastics provides new sections on thermoplastic elastomers, conductive polymers, multicapability test methods, chlorofluorocarbons and flammability, recycling, and depolymerization. Also new to this edition are alphabetical listings of plastics- and product safety-related organizations and terms.

From the Introduction: “...Considerable effort has gone into the study of various aspects of flammability and of various plastic materials, so that these materials which are proving so useful to man will always be used in ways which will not compromise his safety. The task is a continuing one, because the family of plastics continues to grow, and, along with it, its variety of applications. Some of these future applications can not even be conceived of at the present time...A flammability handbook for plastics must necessarily involve a variety of sciences and technologies spread across the whole spectrum of human knowledge, and it is impossible to discuss all the subjects in great depth...”

Target Audience: Both technical and non-technical personnel concerned with plastics flammability, including corporate safety personnel, marketing and product liability analysts, design and materials engineers, firefighters, and other emergency workers.

Table of Contents:

Materials for Plastics Industry

Decomposition, Combustion, and Propagation

Fire Response Characteristics

Flammability Tests

Prevention, Inhibition, and Extinguishment

Market Acceptance Criteria

Flammability and Product Liability

Flammability and Environmental Concerns

Commercial Fires, Smoke, and Smolder Retardants

Index