The ignition and burning characteristics of fabric covered foams

Abstract

A series of experiments has been carried out to study the ignition and burning characteristics of a range of upholstery foams covered with various fabrics (and interlinings) as appropriate to both domestic and contract use. For the ignition tests, seven standard flaming ignition sources are described which form a series of increasing energy from a level somewhat in excess of a match to that equivalent to about four sheets of newsprint. These ignition sources have been used to determined the largest ignition source which can be resisted by each fabric-foam combination (as a cushion) without producing a self-propagating flame or smouldering. The results are given of the performance of these fabric-foam combinations when combined as cushion slabs to form a ‘mock-up’ chair and subjected to an ignition source (sufficiently large to cause ignition) in the room of a full-scale room-corridor test facility. Measurements are given of the general burning characteristics including the temperatures inside the room, the volume of smoke, and the production of certain toxic gases. The work has shown that many of the combinations tested are easily ignited, even when interlinings and improved foams are used. Improved foams can give a substantial improvement in the rate of fire development but for maximum benefit they need to be combined with selected covers. The potential of interlining systems is clearly demonstrated, particularly in the reduction of fire spread and development. Some general advice is given about the utilisation of the smoke measurements for calculating the approximate visibility which will be attained in compartments of known volume. The results should be of value to designers, purchasing and control officers, and others in the selection of material combinations to achieve certain performance criteria.