The Handbook of Flame Retardants, Second Edition serves as an in-depth reference for professionals and researchers focused on fire safety and flame retardant technologies. This comprehensive book systematically reviews current literature, commercial products, and relevant patents related to flame retardance. It offers foundational knowledge about how fires start and spread, examining the influence of various factors such as ignition sources, energy effects, and environmental conditions like pressure, oxygen concentration, and airflow. Through a clear presentation of these core principles, the handbook provides readers with the necessary background to understand the complexities of fire prevention and suppression.

The book thoroughly discusses the properties of thirty distinct chemical groups of flame retardants, detailing the mechanisms by which twenty-one of these groups act to prevent, delay, or extinguish burning materials. The concluding chapter focuses on the unique behaviors and specific mechanisms of flame retardants, their application to various products, and the effectiveness of their incorporation. The book is a perfect complement to The Databook of Flame Retardants, Second Edition.