Degradation, stabilization, and flammability of polymer blends

Abstract

The thermal degradation and fire retardancy of polymer blends is covered in this chapter. Blends of PVC, polystyrenes, polyolefins, and polyamides are covered. The component parts of the blend may have the same stability as does its homopolymer or it may be less or more thermally stable. In some cases the relative amounts of the polymers may cause a change from a less thermally stable polymer to one which is more thermally stable. Thus, one can only determine through experimentation how making a blend will affect the thermal stability of its constituent parts.