FIRE, FOAMS AND FURNITURE.

Many plastics, e. g. , polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer (ABS), modified polyphenylene oxide, polycarbonate, polyurethane, are used as rigid structural foams in both upholstered and cabinet furniture. Leathercloth fabrics may also comprise microcellular foamed plastics, e. g. , plasticized PVC and polyurethane. Foamed fabric backings and fire barrier materials may also be used. It is therefore possible to use foamed materials in all parts of furniture. This paper mainly concerns the major uses of these materials rather than the more specialized applications.