<DIV>Given its importance to consumer safety, fire resistant textiles are one of the fastest growing sectors in industrial textiles. This handbook provides a comprehensive review of the advances that have occurred in the field of fire resistant textiles in recent years. It draws together scientific and technical expertise from around the world to produce an important source of current knowledge on fire resistant textiles and their use for protection in hostile environments.<BR><BR>Part one provides an overview of fire resistant textiles. Chapters discuss burning and combustion mechanisms of textile fibers, chemical modification of natural and synthetic fibers to improve flame retardancy, multi-component flame resistant coating techniques for textiles, care and maintenance of fire resistant textiles, and the safety, health and environmental aspects of flame retardants. Part two covers different types of fire resistant fibers and fabrics, including flame retardant cotton, wool, ceramic fibers and blends, composites and nonwovens. The final sections review standards, regulations, and characterization of fire resistant textiles and provide case studies of major applications of fire resistant textiles.</div>