Non-polyolefin type polymers (2)

Flame testing

Difficult to ignite and self-extinguishing (note the colour of the flame and how easily it starts to burn).

Note: Take care when smelling any plastic material. Make sure the flame is totally out. Do not directly inhale the fumes from the burning sample. Hold the sample away from your nose (about 20 - 30 cm) and sniff just enough to get the smell. Do not inhale deeply. Take care of any dripping polymer - it will be very hot and can burn.

Results

Sample burns with a green flame:

Acrid smell, material is soft and flexible - Plasticised Poly(vinyl chloride).

Acrid smell, material is stiff and glossy - Unplastised Poly(vinyl chloride).

Sample burns with a yellow flame:

Smell of formaldehyde - Polyacetal.

No real smell, sample has slippery feel. Push cold metal point onto hot surface and withdraw, if threads of material are formed - Polyamide (Nylon).

No real flame formed, material forms a cellular structure and then decomposes - Polycarbonate.

Last edited: 25/08/2003

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