A General Discussion of Flammability as Related to the Automotive Industry and MVSS 302

The Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 302 becomes effective September 1, 1972, establishing a 4 ipm horizontal burn rate for materials used in the passenger compartment of motor vehicles. Limitations of the standard are touched upon. Conventional approaches to impart fire retardance to vinyls,polyolefins, urethane foams, ABS, polyester, and carpeting are reviewed. Potential problems associated with each of the approaches include fogging, dripping, staining, low-temperature flexibility, durability, effect on physical properties, and cost.