NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

PUBLICATIONS

Influence of Polymer Melt Behavior on Flammability (NISTIR 6588)

Published

Author(s)

Thomas J. Ohlemiller, Kathryn M. Butler

Abstract

As the initial step in a study of the role of polymer melt viscosity in polymer burning behavior, a simpler, non-burning configuration has been examined. Vertical slabs of two types of polypropylene have been subjected to uniform radiative heating on one face. The subsequent melt flow process was monitored by measuring weights, temperatures and flow velocities. A low MW polypropylene flowed freely at temperatures below those for significant degradation whereas a commercial polypropylene of higher MW degraded and gasified extensively. Plans are described for modeling the non-reactive case first.
Citation
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6588
Report Number
6588
NIST Pub Series
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.ir.6588v1

Keywords

fire safety, fire research, flammability, melting, polypropylene, experiments
Buildings and Construction and Fire

Citation

Ohlemiller, T. and Butler, K. (2000), Influence of Polymer Melt Behavior on Flammability (NISTIR 6588), NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.ir.6588v1 (Accessed October 7, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created March 1, 2000, Updated November 10, 2018
Was this page helpful?