Underwriters Laboratories protocol

The most important testing protocol for resistance to deterioration of critical physical properties upon exposure to heat, especially over prolonged periods of time, was designed by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) [1], The UL temperature index is used to qualify materials for applications (such as use in electrical equipment) regulated by UL. The main purpose of these tests is to ensure that a polymer can be used safely for a prolonged period of time in these applications. A larger value of the UL temperature index implies greater stability, defined in... 

Relative long-time experiments are often performed according to the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) testing protocol [29]. The results, the retention of certain properties upon exposure to heat, are expressed in UL temperature index values. The time and material consuming UL testing procedure is usually preceded by short-time mass retention measurements, mainly performed with TGA equipment. 

Generally speaking, applications that contain power supplies or that are electrical in nature require flame retardance in compliance with Underwriters Laboratory standards and test protocols that include UL-94 HB, V2, V1, VO, 5VA, and 5VB ratings. Environmental standards require no bromine or chlorine in accordance with TCO-99 and Blue Angel. 

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