This unique and comprehensive handbook is an essential reference for everyone concerned with plastics flammability. The revised third edition reflects the recent internationalization of fire testing and classification, particularly in building, electrical engineering, and transportation. The book covers all aspects of plastics flammability, from fundamentals to the detailed description of national and international regulations, standards, test methods, and the approval procedures for plastics and plastics components in various fields of application.

From the Preface: “...At the same time, the perception of how to assess the main parameters governing a fire and the role of combustible materials like plastics were redefined and led to new approaches particularly in the fields of smoke development and toxicity of fire effluents. All these developments required a comprehensive revision of the handbook. To fulfill these demands, the various chapters were revised by experts in the relevant fields...”

Target Audience: A wide variety of professionals concerned with plastics, flame retardancy, fire testing, fire protection, and similar issues.

Table of Contents:

Fundamentals:

Introduction

The Market Situation

The Burning Process and Enclosure Fires

The Burning of Plastics

Flame Retardant Plastics

Textiles

Smoke Development and Suppression

National and International Fire Protection Regulations and Test Procedures:

Methodology of Fire Testing

Regulations and Testing

Building

Transportation

Electrical Engineering

Furniture and Furnishings

Fire Effluents:

Preliminary Remarks

Smoke Development of Fire Effluents

Toxicity of Fire Effluents

Corrosivity of Fire Effluents

Appendices