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American Society for Testing and Materials

Flammability and thermal stability studies of polymer layered-silicate (clay) nanocomposites

Our continuing study of the mechanism of flammability reduction of polymer−layered-silicate nanocomposites has yielded results for polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride and polystyrene−layered-silicate nanocomposites using montmorillonite and fluorohectorite. Cone calorimetry was used to measure the heat release rate and other flammability properties of the nanocomposites, under well-controlled combustion conditions. Both the polymer−layered-silicate nanocomposites and the combustion residues were studied by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. We have found evidence for a common mechanism of flammability reduction. We also found that the type of layered silicate, nanodispersion, and processing degradation have an influence on the flammability reduction.

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Flammability Properties of Polymer - Layered-Silicate Nanocomposites. Polypropylene and Polystyrene Nanocomposites

There is little consensus within the fire science community on interpretation of cone calorimeter data, but there is a significant need to screen new flammability modified materials using the cone calorimeter. This article is the result of several discussions aiming to provide guidance in the use and interpretation of cone calorimetry for those directly involved with such measurements. This guidance is essentially empirical, and is not intended to replace the comprehensive scientific studies that already exist. The guidance discusses the fire scenario with respect to applied heat flux, length scale, temperature, ventilation, anaerobic pyrolysis and set-up represented by the cone calorimeter. The fire properties measured in the cone calorimeter are discussed, including heat release rate and its peak, the mass loss and char yield, effective heat of combustion and combustion efficiency, time to ignition and CO and smoke production together with deduced quantities such as FIGRA and MARHE. Special comments are made on the use of the cone calorimeter relating to sample thickness, textiles, foams and intumescent materials, and the distance of the cone heater from the sample surface. Finally, the relationship between cone calorimetry data and other tests is discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Development of fire-retarded materials—Interpretation of cone calorimeter data

Polymer/layered silicate (clay) nanocomposites: An overview of flame retardancy

Heat release rate: The single most important variable in fire hazard☆

A new bench-scale rate of heat release calorimeter utilizing the oxygen consumption principle has been developed for use in fire testing and research. Specimens may be of uniform or composite construction and may be tested in a horizontal, face-up orientation, or, for those which do not melt, in a vertical orientation. An external irradiance of zero to over 100 kW m−2 may be imposed by means of a temperature-controlled radiant heater. The rate of heat release is determined by measuring combustion product gas flow and oxygen depletion, while the mass loss is also recorded simultaneously. The instrument has been designed to be capable of higher accuracy than existing instruments and yet to be simple to operate and moderate in construction cost. The instrument is thermed a ‘cone calorimeter’ because of the geometric arrangement of the electric heater.

Development of the cone calorimeter, a bench scale heat release rate apparatus based on oxygen consumption

Development of the cone calorimeter—A bench-scale heat release rate apparatus based on oxygen consumption†

Data for estimating the burning rate and heat output of large pool fires (diameter ≳ 0.2 m) are compiled and computational equations presented. Since a large scatter in the reported data is noted, attention is also focused on areas where further research is most needed in order to improve predictability.

Estimating large pool fire burning rates

V. Babrauskas and S. J. Grayson, eds., Heat Release in Fires, Interscience Communications Ltd, London (1992; reprinted 2009). xii, 623 pages, illustrated, hardbound. ISBN: 978-0-9556548-4-8. The original book publisher was Elsevier Applied Science. The current reprint is from Interscience Communications Ltd.: ordering information. List price: £95 plus p+p (UK £4.50, Europe £8.00, Rest of world £14.50). Few booksellers carry this book (especially charging no more than the list price!), thus it is recommended that it be ordered directly from the publishers.

Vytenis Babrauskas

Papers

Heat release rate: The single most important variable in fire hazard☆

Development of the cone calorimeter, a bench scale heat release rate apparatus based on oxygen consumption

Development of the cone calorimeter—A bench-scale heat release rate apparatus based on oxygen consumption†

Estimating large pool fire burning rates

Heat Release In Fires