Abstract
Polyurethanes (PURs) are a group of polymers with the most versatile properties and the broadest spectrum of application. Their name comes from the urethane group. PURs were introduced to the market on a large-scale basis by Bayer in 1942, in the form of Perlon U and Igamid U fibers produced by gradual polyaddition of diisocyanates and polyols. The development of PURs-production technology and the multitude of applications resulted in their widespread use. This group is so extensive that polyurethanes alone accounted for about 6% of the global production of polymers (2019)—most of them in the form of foam. Therefore, polyurethane can be found in a huge number of products—some of them stored in the vicinity of ammonium nitrate (AN). In the previous two articles, we showed that polymers and AN—stored within the same building—in fire conditions may, under certain circumstances, spontaneously transform into a material of explosive properties. The aim of this article is to check whether PUR, when in contact with AN, creates additional hazards, similarly to the previously tested polymers.
Highlights
Polyurethanes (PURs) are a very important group of polymers with a wide range of applications in various industries
(endothermic character of melting and decomposition) and polyurethanes, in the form of foam and sponge mic character of melting and decomposition) and polyurethanes, in the form of foam and sponge. The analysis covered both rigid PUR insulation foam and soft foams used as insulating mats which are typically applied in multi-layer panels for the construction of industrial halls and as furniture foams
ammonium nitrate (AN), leading to a possible explosive decomposition after melting and mixing the materials
Summary
Polyurethanes (PURs) are a very important group of polymers with a wide range of applications in various industries As foams, they are used mainly in the construction, furniture and automotive industries. Polyurethane (PUR) foams are combustible materials that emit significant amounts of toxic gases and vapors in the combustion process (cyano group, carbon monoxide, derivatives of esters) [1]. Due to their prevalence in the immediate vicinity of humans, for safety reasons, PURs require the use of substances that retard their flammability, in order to meet the minimum requirements for individual groups of products in particular industries [2]
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