Chemical and Physical Properties and Thermal Decomposition Products of Certain Natural Products and Synthetic Materials

A limited review of the literature including the early history and current data on deaths, injuries and costs due to the combustion and pyrolysis oof resins, plastics and natural materials is provided. There is a limited discussion of the chemistry and physical properties of plastics. Applications of these materials in wearing apparel, construction trades, the aircraft industry, and others are discussed. Experimental data on the pyrolysis products of five synthetic and natural fiber carpets are presented. An extensive collection of tables from a number of sources give data on the trade name, type of plastic and manufacturer, physical and chemical properties, decomposition products and other information is included. (Author-PL)