Timber is one of our most precious, versatile, and vulnerable resources, so using it effectively is important. Knowing your material inside and out is the first step to doing just that. Read about the structure of wood itself, from growth rings to its chemical composition. Learn wood's physical and mechanical properties, including everything from elasticity to nuclear radiation. This extensive manual includes a section on stress grading as well as thorough descriptions of which fasteners to use and when. It has information on adhesive bonding, biodeterioration, control of moisture content, preservation, fire safety, specialty treatments, and much more. The Encyclopedia of Wood is an essential resource for builders, architects, engineers, and woodworkers.

A one-stop, practical handbook containing all of the current commercial non-halogenated flame retardant technologies as well as experimental systems near commercialization In response to the emphasis on replacing halogenated flame retardants with alternate technologies, this handbook focuses on existing non-halogenated flame retardants and the experimental close-to-production systems that are available today. The Non-Halogenated Flame Retardant Handbook starts with an overview of the regulations and customer perceptions driving non-halogenated flame retardant selections over older halogenated technologies. It then moves on to cover the known major classes of non-halogenated flame retardants, before concluding with the current niche-performing technologies and untried commercial contenders of the future. The Non-Halogenated Flame Retardant Handbook: Takes a practical approach to addressing the narrow subject of non-halogenated flame retardancy—placing more emphasis on flame retardant selection for specific plastics, practical considerations in flame retardant material design, and the various technologies’ strengths and limits Focuses on the proper use of non-halogenated flame retardants, rather than the mechanics of how they work Discusses important future trends in flame retardancy Features sections written by industrial and chemical experts who know how to apply the technology to polymers for fire safety needs