Non-Isothermal Thermogravimetry of Selected Tropical Woods and Their Degradation under Fire Using Cone Calorimetry

Abstract

For selected tropical woods (Cumaru, Garapa, Ipe, Kempas, Merbau), a relationship was established between non-isothermal thermogravimetry runs and the wood weight loss under flame during cone calorimetry flammability testing. A correlation was found for the rate constants for decomposition of wood in air at 250 and 300 °C found from thermogravimetry and the total time of sample burning related to the initial mass. Non-isothermal thermogravimetry runs were assumed to be composed from 3 theoretical runs such as decomposition of wood into volatiles itself, oxidation of carbon residue, and the formation of ash. A fitting equation of three processes was proposed and the resulting theoretical lines match experimental lines.

Monitoring the Ignition of Hay and Straw by Radiant Heat

“…For a cow weighing about 500 kg (see Figure 1), more than 3 tons of hay will be required during the stay in the stable (from October to April) [13]. Hay and straw are natural materials that are also used as natural thermal insulators [14][15][16]. However, it is necessary to acknowledge that these materials are flammable and not resistant to heat [17].…”

New Challenges in Wood and Wood-Based Materials

“…This Special Issue of Polymers is a collection of 11 original high-quality scientific contributions on basic and applied research in the field of wood science and technology, and provides good examples of the recent challenges related to the production and application of wood and wood-based materials. Individual papers concerned with the enhancement of the performance and technological properties of wood composites, above all plywood [ 1 , 2 , 3 ], as well as with ignition and combustion of wood and wood composites in monitoring and evaluating these processes on state-of-the-art equipment [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], and monitoring chemical changes in wood and wood adhesives and composites [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ], are included. The topic of the Special Issue has clearly resonated in the world’s scientific community and the traditional response has come from strong wood research centers in Europe and Asia.…”

“…used in different constructions and buildings have been given much attention, while less attention has been paid to tropical woods as they represent more complex systems [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Selected tropical wood species (cumaru, garapa, ipe, kempas, merbau) were tested from the point of view of non-isothermal thermogravimetry [ 7 ]. For these tropical woods, a relationship was established between non-isothermal thermogravimetry runs and the wood weight loss under flame during cone calorimetry flammability testing.…”