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 cannot even be conceived of at the present time. The needs of man and his society are changing, and with them the factors that affect his safety, comfort, and convenience. 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. Any details extracted for attention are brought because they are believed to be significant to the overall effort to make plastics as useful and safe as humanly possible."

Plastics flammability is a highly important consideration in many industries, including building and construction, mass transportation, electrical and electronic equipment, wire and cable, as well as upholstered furniture and textiles. This comprehensive handbook has been, since its first edition in 1983, unrivalled as the definitive source of information on the reaction of plastics to fire, as well as on the relevant regulations and testing methods. This fourth edition is comprehensively updated throughout, with inclusion of new national and international standards, new technologies and testing procedures, and novel retardants and formulations, reflecting the current state of the art. The book is edited by the internationally renowned consultant Jürgen Troitzsch and by Edith Antonatus, who have assembled leading experts to cover their specialty areas with authority within their respective chapters.

Both technically and economically, additives form a large and increasingly significant part of the polymer industry, both plastics and elastomers. Since the first edition of this book was published, there have been wide-ranging developments, covering chemistry and formulation of new and more efficient additive systems and the safer use of additives, both by processors in the factory and, in the wider field, as they affect the general public. This new edition follows the successful formula of its predecessor, it provides a comprehensive view of all types of additives, concentrating mainly on their technical aspects (chemistry/formulation, structure, function, main applications) with notes on the commercial background of each. The field has been expanded to include any substance that is added to a polymer to improve its use, so including reinforcing materials (such as glass fibre), carbon black and titanium dioxide. This is a book which has been planned for ease of use and the information is presented in a way which is appropriate to the users' needs.

The first handbook devoted to the coverage of materials in the field of fire engineering. Fire Protection Building Materials Handbook walks you through the challenging maze of choosing form the hundreds of commercially available materials used in buildings today and tells you which burn and /or are weakened during exposure to fire. It is the burning characteristics of materials, which usually allow fires to begin and propagate, and the degradation of materials that cause the most damage. Providing expert guidance every step of the way, Fire Protection Building Materials Handbook helps the architect, designers and fire protection engineers to design and maintain safer buildings while complying with international codes.

The completely revised and updated third edition of this handbook 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 plastic components in various fields of application. This unique and comprehensive handbook is an essential reference for everyone concerned with plastics flammability. This book is particularly welcome in simplifying the difficult and often confusing area of national regulations and fire test procedures. Plastics and Rubber International "Troitzsch's work will continue to be a reference book which fire testers, as well as plastics technologists and regulators, should have within arm's reach." Polymer International.

Here is a new completely updated edition of a highly regarded, easy-to-use handbook It describes a multitude of national flammability regulations, standards, testing methods, and product approval procedures for plastics and plastic components worldwide. This unique and comprehensive handbook is an essential reference for everyone concerned with the fire performance of plastics or who develop, sell, or approve plastics products or components in all fields of application.