Considerations on reaction to fire tests of polyethylene foam with a cone calorimeter apparatus

Abstract

This work describes efforts to improve the repeatability of cone calorimeter tests of polyethylene flexible foam, used for pipe insulation. This material presented significant random deformation during burning, such as warping and rolling, which led to drainage of the tar formed during material degradation and altered randomly the heating and burning processes. These effects severely undermined the repeatability of the tests and the accurate assessment of the reaction to fire characteristics of the material. Standard techniques to alleviate the problem, such as use of a retainer frame or a grid, were proven either inadequate to secure the specimen in place or undermined the accurate estimation of the material properties. The selected solution was to incorporate thin metallic pins in the sample holder, which along with the use of a retainer frame was able to eliminate the problems, producing results with good repeatability and small standard deviation.

Fire Propagation Characteristics and Fire Risks of Polyurethanes: Effects of Material Type (Foam & Board) and Added Flame Retardant

“…However, the flame retardant added to PIR F reduced the amount of heat delivered to the inside. The combustion of foam features the stages of (i) tar formation via foam decomposition, (ii) tar burning in the form of a full burner, and (iii) foam reduction with the consumption of tar and flame development [4]. Visual observations showed that after the ceiling surface was ignited, the foams decomposed to form tar (Figure 10), which flew down in the form of a liquid as soon as it was formed.…”

“…However, polyurethanes are very sensitive to heat and suffer from rapid ignition and fire propagation, as well as foam collapse [4], which make early-stage polyurethane fire quenching practically impossible. In Korea, hot works (e.g., welding) performed in the immediate vicinity of heat insulation materials with poor thermal stability (e.g., urethane products) and without any protective measures have been triggering an increased number of unexpected large-scale fires during the construction of frozen warehouses and other buildings [5].…”

Synthesis of 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide derivative grafted polyethylene films for improving the flame retardant and anti‐dripping properties

“…However, PE is flammable, [ 2,3 ] and it shows dripping behaviors when burning. [ 4 ] After ignition, the fire rapidly spreads with plenty of heat, [ 5 ] causing huge losses. For this reason, it is essential to improve the flame retardancy of PE.…”