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X. M. Ni

Bio: X. M. Ni is an academic researcher from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Calorimeter (particle physics) & Cone calorimeter. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 1 citations.

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TL;DR: In this paper, the behaviour of furniture foam in flashover fires was assessed more extensively by using a cone calorimeter under high radiative heat fluxes, and the results showed that foam with fire retardant additives can only withstand small match fires to delay ignition time.
Abstract: Many big building fires happened in the past involved burning furniture foam. In some places such as Hong Kong, foams treated with fire retardant additives are only required to test their ignitability under a small flame. It was proposed earlier that the behaviour of furniture foam in flashover fires should be assessed more extensively by a cone calorimeter under high radiative heat fluxes. In this paper, this screening approach is further studied using five samples, including three different pillow foams, one mattress foam and one expensive fire-safe sofa foam. Both thermal and smoke aspects were studied in a cone calorimeter under heat fluxes of 20 kWm-2, 30 kWm-2, 50 kWm-2 and 70 kWm-2. It was observed that all the foam samples were burnt under heat fluxes above 30 kWm-2. Only one pillow foam sample was not ignited under a low incident heat flux of 20 kWm-2, but it morphed into a mixture of solid and liquid. Under heat fluxes above 30 kWm-2, the fire-safe foam burnt vigorously; the burning showed no differences from foam without fire retardant. The fire-safe foam even released more smoke and toxic gases with higher carbon monoxide concentration. From the above cone calorimeter test, foams commonly used in the market can only withstand small match fires to delay ignition time. Foam products should be protected by additional provisions, such as an external cover, to protect them against big fires.

1 citations


Cited by
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TL;DR: A comprehensive literature review on fire behaviour, fire hazard and testing methods of lightweight composite claddings has been conducted in this article, which highlights the current challenges in cladding fire, smoke toxicity, testing system and regulation.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to review and summarise the existing available literature on lightweight cladding systems to provide detailed information on fire behaviour (ignitibility, heat release rate and smoke toxicity) and various test method protocols. Additionally, the paper discusses the challenges and provides updated knowledge and recommendation on selective-fire mechanisms such as rapid-fire spread, air cavity and fire re-entry behaviours due to dripping and melting of lightweight composite claddings.,A comprehensive literature review on fire behaviour, fire hazard and testing methods of lightweight composite claddings has been conducted in this research. In summarising all possible fire hazards, particular attention is given to the potential impact of toxicity of lightweight cladding fires. In addition, various criteria for fire performance evaluation of lightweight composite claddings are also highlighted. These evaluations are generally categorised as small-, intermediate- and large-scale test methods.,The major challenges of lightweight claddings are rapid fire spread, smoke production and toxicity and inconsistency in fire testing.,The review highlights the current challenges in cladding fire, smoke toxicity, testing system and regulation to provide some research recommendations to address the identified challenges.

13 citations