Fire Retardant Effect Research Articles

Studying the effect of fire retardant coating on the fire hazard characteristics of wood using infrared thermography

This paper represents a study concerning the effect of fire retardant treatment «FUKAM» on the fire hazard characteristics of pine, aspen and larch. The front of model ground fire was investigated to estimate its effect on the surface of wood samples. Infrared thermography was used as a diagnostic method. The surface temperature distribution was obtained for the test wood samples after exposure to a fire front that was modeled using pine needles. The probability of ignition was estimated for the chosen experimental parameters for each kind of wood. The fire hazard characteristics of wood after fire retardant treatment showed a significant reduction in the surface temperature and the resistance to fire for the chosen parameters of the experiment compared to the same untreated samples.

Synthesis, structural, and thermal characterization of a new binuclear copper(II) chelate complex bearing an amine-hardener for epoxy resins

A new di(μ-carbonato)bis[aqua(diethylenetriamine)copper(II)] hexahydrate complex, [{Cu(NH(C2H4NH2)2)(H2O)(μ-CO3)}2]·6H2O (1), was synthesized by direct interaction of malachite with diethylenetriamine (dien). The crystals of 1 were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and IR spectra, as well as structurally characterized. Compound 1 consists of [{Cu(dien)(H2O)(μ-CO3)}2] discrete units whose anions play the role of bridging ligands combining two Cu(II) chelate cores into a centrosymmetric dimer. The elongated octahedral environment of Cu2+ consists of three nitrogens of dien and an oxygen from at the base of the bipyramid; the two apical positions of such polyhedron are occupied by an oxygen from an adjacent and an O from H2O. Combining the primary dimers into a framework is provided by O–H⋯O and N–H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The thermal behavior of 1 was investigated by differential thermal analysis. Thermal decomposition of 1 terminates at 400 °C, while the maximal combustion temperature of gaseous products is at 520 °C. Complex 1 may be an effective fire retardant and, at the same time, a curing agent for epoxy resins.

Cascading effects of fire retardant on plant-microbe interactions, community composition, and invasion.

Climate change, historical fire suppression, and a rise in human movements in urban-forest boundaries have resulted in an increased use of long-term fire retardant (LTFR). While LTFR is an effective fire-fighting tool, it contains high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, and little is known about how this nutrient pulse affects terrestrial ecosystems. We used field surveys and greenhouse experiments to quantify effects of LTFR on plant productivity, community composition, and plant interactions with the ubiquitous root symbiont arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). In the field, LTFR applications were associated with persistent shifts in plant communities toward exotic annuals with little or no dependency of AMF. Plants exposed to LTFR were less colonized by AMF, both in field surveys and in the greenhouse, and this was most likely due to the substantial and persistent increase in soil available phosphorus. All plants grew bigger with LTFR in the greenhouse, but the invasive annual cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) benefitted most. While LTFR can control fires, it may cause long-term changes in soil nutrient availabilities, disrupt plant interactions with beneficial soil microbes, and exasperate invasion by some exotic plants.

Non-Normalized Evaluation Methods of Retarding Effects of Fire Retardants for Wood

Modification of combustible materials, against easy ignition and combustion is an effort of many researchers. Modification of traditional materials, wood and textiles from natural mate-does it for their natural character quite complicated. Despite this complexity, it is one of the ways within the fire prevention.

The mechanism of action and the synergistic effect of nitrogenand phosphorus-containing fire retardants in fire protection and wood and peat fire suppression

The factors exerting a significant influence on the termination of the combustion of natural materials (wood and peat) were studied with the use of synthetic nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing fire retardants with different efficiencies. With the use of a mathematical experimental design method, it was confirmed that the inhibition of gas-phase radical processes by volatile nitrogen-containing products is the predominant process of combustion suppression. It was found that the synergism of the nitrogen–phosphorus flame retardants is determined by their complex action: phosphorus mainly enters into organomineral structures in a the condensed phase, and nitrogen inhibits reactions in a gas phase.

The Effect of Fire Retardants on the Fire Resistance of Unsaturated Polyester Resin Coating

Unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs) are most commonly used coating materials on steel among thermosetting polymers because of their low cost, easy application and good performance properties. However, UPRs show insufficient fire-resistance in respect of relatively high flammability accompanied by smoke production upon burning due to aromatic groups in the structure. Consequently, improving the fire retardancy of UPRs for extending their application becomes pivotal. Fire retardants (FRs) are widely used in polymers because they prolong the time to ignition, slow down the rate of flame spread, and generate less heat and smoke or toxic fume compared with the unmodified polymers. It has been a challenge to develop a cost effective, environmentally friendly fire retardant system which minimizes the negative effect on performance properties of the polymers [1 - 4].

Fire retardant and charring effect of cyclic phenolphthalein (phenylene phosphonate) oligomer on polybutylene terephthalate

A novel solid flame retardant cyclic phenolphthalein (phenylene phosphonate) (CPPA) oligomer was synthesized in high yields through the reaction of phenylphosphonic dichloride with phenolphthalein under pseudo-high dilution conditions via polycondensation.

Flame Retardancy of Polysiloxane Solid Powder Combined with Organophosphate in Polycarbonate

The synergistic effects of methylphenyl-polsiloxane solid powder and organophosphate flame retardant for polycarbonate (PC) were investigated by limiting oxygen index(LOI), and cone calorimeter. It was found that the LOI of the flame-retarded PC (FR-PC) with polysiloxane and organophosphate binary flame retardants didn’t increase in comparison with that of FR-PC containing a single species flame retardant. The cone calorimeter results show that the heat release rate (HRR) of the PC/polysiloxane/organophosphate(PX230) composition is approximately 50% lower than that of the PC/polysiloxane or the PC/PX230. Total heat release (THR) of PC/polysiloxane/PX230 also significantly reduce in comparison with that of PC/polysiloxane and PC/PX230 binary composites, which indicates a clear synergistic effect of the polysiloxane and PX230 in the PC flame retardant composites. The CO production rate of the PC/polysiloxane/PX230 during combustion is slightly lower than that of the virgin PC. So the combination of the polysiloxane with PX230 used in PC could synergic inhibit the combustion heat release, and achieve environmental friendly fire-retardant effect.

Effectiveness of impregnation of ammonium polyphosphate fire retardant in poplar wood using microwave heating

SummaryPoplar samples were impregnated with ammonium polyphosphate fire retardant at various pressures and durations after they were pretreated with microwave heating. The effects of the pressure and duration on the flame‐retardation and smoke‐suppression properties were investigated with cone calorimeter analysis. The peak heat release rate (pk‐HRR), total heat release (THR), and total smoke product (TSP) of treated woods were measured for samples of pretreated and untreated with microwave. After the impregnation, the poplar wood showed the significant improvement in its fire resistance. Compared with non‐impregnation wood, the pk‐HRR, THR, and TSP of wood impregnated with ammonium polyphosphate at pressure of 0.4 MPa and duration of 10 min were 48.29%, 35.58%, and 68.64% less, respectively. The pk‐HRR, THR, and TSP of microwave pretreated wood was 15.89%, 5.69%, and 13.59% less than those without microwave pretreated sample. The microwave pretreatment of wood can increase fire retardant effectiveness of ammonium polyphosphate‐impregnated wood. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A Study of Fire Retardant Effect in Natural Fiber Composite Panels with Magnesium Hydroxide and Zinc Borate as Additives

The objective of this study is to investigate the fire retardancy effect of coconut coir, rice husk and sawdust panels which are incorporated with magnesium hydroxide (Mg (OH)2) and zinc borate (2ZnO∙3B2O3∙3.5H2O) as additives. The natural fiber and additives are mixed and cured for one week, with polyester resin and hardening catalyst as binders. Fire retardancy of these panels are tested according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Horizontal (D 365) and Vertical Burning (D 3801) tests. Principle of fire retardants and mechanism of polymer combustion are shown in this study too. The study revealed that the sawdust panels with both additives have the highest fire retardancy compared to rice husk and coconut coir panel with both additives.

Effect of the Additive Fire Retardants on the Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foams, Obtained Using Hydroxyethyl Derivatives of Oxamide and Polymeric 4,4′-diphenylmethane Diisocyanate

The present work investigates the effect of polyol structure and physical addition of boric acid and N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)oxamide on the properties of rigid polyurethane foams. The product of hydroxyalkylation of oxamide by ethylene carbonate has been used as a polyol component. The new polyol has been foamed using polymeric 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, water, and triethylamine. To decrease the flammability of the foams, boric acid, and N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)oxamide were used as the additive flame retardants. It has been found, that chemical modification of the foam structure by means of oxamide groups decreases their flammability only to a small extent, whereas physical addition of N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)oxamide does not influence the flammability. However, the addition of boric acid to the foam composition resulted in a distinct decrease of foam flammability, according to the amount of boric acid added. All the foams, modified and nonmodified by boron, have been categorized into flammability class HF-1, according to the applicable standard. The introduction of flame retardants had its impact on the properties of polyurethane foams obtained, as described in this work.

Synthesis and characterization of nitrogen-phosphorus-based fire retardants modified by boride/propanetriol flyeidyl ether complex

A Boride/propanetriol glyeidyl ether (B/PTGE) complex was employed to intensify the fire resistance capabilities of nitrogen-phosphorus (NP) fire retardants by reacting with phosphoric acid and urea to yield nitrogen-phosphorus-boron-PTGE fire retardants. The effects of NPB-PTGE fire retardants on wooden properties were characterized by limit oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimetry, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results depict that the fire resistance of the B/PTGE complex modified by NP-based fire retardants was improved significantly. The PTGE was at 10% boride at 2%, and the treated wood has the LOI of 52%, which is 11.46% higher compared with woods treated with NP fire retardant.

Characterization of thermal decomposition behavior of commercial flame-retardant ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) rubber

The thermal decomposition behavior of the commercial flame-retardant ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) rubber was studied employing cone calorimeter and simultaneous thermogravimetry (TG)–differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Significant influence of the external heat flux on the thermal decomposition behavior of the commercial flame-retardant EPDM rubber was characterized with the measurement of various parameters, including the visual observation, the ignition time, the mass loss, the mass loss rate, the heat release rate and the effective heat of combustion employing cone calorimeter. Three different decomposition regions of the commercial flame-retardant EPDM rubber may be identified according to the applied external heat flux employing cone calorimeter: (1) region 1 (external heat flux ≤35 kW m−2) with well exertion of effectiveness of fire retardants to the EPDM rubber; (2) region 2 (35 kW m−2 45 kW m−2) with little effectiveness of fire retardants to the EPDM rubber. Six thermal decomposition stages of the commercial flame-retardant EPDM rubber were noted in both of region 2 and 3. However, merely four thermal decomposition stages were demonstrated in region 1. Similar thermal decomposition behaviors of the commercial flame-retardant EPDM rubber to those of cone calorimeter experiments were examined in the TG–DSC tests, thus validating the cone calorimeter experimental results. The present study may be of practical use in fire safety design of the underground rail transportation systems.

Synthesis of Zinc Phosphonated Poly(ethylene imine) and Its Fire-Retardant Effect in Low-Density Polyethylene

A novel oligomeric intumescent fire-retardant chelate, zinc phosphonated poly(ethylene imine) (Zn-PEIP), with a variable Zn2+ loading, was synthesized. The chemical structure of Zn-PEIP was confirmed by FTIR, 13C NMR, and 31P NMR spectroscopies. The thermal behavior and fire retardancy of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing 25 wt % Zn-PEIPs with different amounts of Zn2+ were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurements, and cone calorimetry. The TGA results showed that higher concentrations of Zn2+ improved the thermal stability and increased the residue yield of LDPE. However, the data from the LOI and cone calorimetry tests showed that there is an optimum concentration of Zn2+ for the best fire-retardancy performance of LDPE. This behavior is ascribed to the high cross-link density resulting from zinc bridges, preventing normal swelling of the intumescent system. The surface morphology of the char was characterized by digital photography and scanning...

The Testing of Surface Fire Retardants

Abstract The article deals with the importance of testing and using of application of fire retardants for the needs of fire protection in practice. The experiment present the testing of test specimens by means of experimental scientific method of test of limited flame spread in the test bench under laboratory conditions. Based on the measured data are exactly and precisely evaluated different types of surface fire retardants. On test specimens made by wood were applied the tested fire retardants, which were directly exposed to open flame. The results of the experiment represents and expressed fire-technical characteristics that describe the behavior of wood specimens during the process of combustion: weight loss, time of ignition, time of spontaneous combustion and time of smolder. The acquired information reflects the effectiveness of fire retardants in protection against the fire.

The Study of Melamine Modified by Imidazolium Based Ionic Liquid [BMIM]PF<sub>6</sub> on the Flame Retardancy of Rigid Polyurethane Foam

In this paper, the effect of C3H6N6modified by imidazolium based Ionic Liquid 1-butyl-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]PF6) on polyurethane rigid foam flame retardant properties was conducted.The results show that the flame retardant properties of C3H6N6 modified with Ionic Liquid significantly increased and the LOI increased form 22.3 to 24.5. In the modification process, the ionic liquid mass have a very noticeable effect to the flame retardant property and when [BMIM]PF6 and C3H6N6 in quality was 4:6, Fire-retardant effect was best.Compared with the prior to the modification, C3H6N6 modified can increase effective Flame resistance of materials, horizontal burning speed from 67.6mm/min down to 33.4mm/min.Thermal degradation data show that C3H6N6 modified could improve initial decomposition temperature and reminder yield of rigid polyurethane foam,and then heat release reduced, the decomposition controlled,thermal stability increased.

Special Spherical Shell-shaped Foam deriving from Guanidine Phosphate – Pentaerythritol system and its Intumescent Fire Retardant effects on Polypropylene

An intumescent fire retardant (IFR) system based on guanidine phosphate (GP) and pentaerythritol (PER) was proposed. Decomposition products of GP were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) combined with pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyrolysis GC–MS) at first. The pure intumescent fire retardant (IFR) GP-PER was studied then. When the IFR was combusted, the special spherical shell-shaped foam was generated. The foam was made up of soluble phosphorus degradation products (PDPs) and insoluble nitrogenous - carbonaceous char consisting of fused ring and heterocyclic ring structures derived from the degradation products of pentaerythritol phosphate esters and condensed cyanamide derivatives. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy as well as Ion chromatography (IC) and elemental analysis were used to study the morphology and the moieties of the foam. The mechanism of the special foam formation was proposed with the help of TGA results in the paper. Eventually, mixtures of this IFR blended in polypropylene (PP) matrix were prepared and the fire retardancy was studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the variation of the foam moieties from 270 °C to 500 °C. Experiments proved the optimal mass ratio of GP and PER is 2:1 to get fire retardancy in PP matrix. With an addition of 25 wt%, the limited oxygen index (LOI) could reach 31% and vertical burning ratings (UL-94 tests) reach a V-0 rating.

Preparation and Application of Water-Based Fire Retardant of Ammonium Phosphate

The water-based fire retardant is one kind of additive type flame retardant, which uses water as the dispersion medium and improves the flame retardant performance of wood, fabric or cardboard by spraying or dipping. In this paper, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and diammonium phosphate were used as raw materials for preparing the water-based flame retardants according to four different proportions of 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50. Three kinds of fabrics were disposed with the retardant firstly, and then dried in the air, at last immersed in water, liquid soap and detergent solution with one hour. Air dried fabrics were characterized by differential thermal and thermal gravimetric analysis, and effect of water-based fire retardant of ammonium phosphate on the thermal decomposition properties also discussed on the basis of the experimental data. These results may have significant potential towards exploring preparation and application of other water-based flame retardants.

Influence of aluminate additives on bloating of geocement coating used for fire protection of wood

The influence of the aluminate additives on the bloating ability of geocement coating, designed for fire protection of wood was studied. The purpose of the research was to determine the bloating ability of geocement coating with aluminate additives, as well as during operation. To study the bloating mechanism, the volume factor of bloating was defined by the method of determining the volume of samples, which was formed at 350 °C. In this paper, the obtained results show that the addition of aluminate additives to alkaline aluminosilicate composition, the bloating ability of fire-retardant coating not only suppresses but also increases. As compared to the prototype under test, the highest value of its bloating is 2.8 times less than the modified geocement coating. After 30 days of air storage, the most efficient aluminate additive − alumina 10% was determined, the volume factor of bloating was 13.7 mm 3 /g. The data will allow fully investigating the fire-retardant effectiveness of geocement coating.

Highly Filled Building Materials Reduced Flammability

This paper presents research on the development of technologies for highly filled building material of low flammability based on CMSW. An affordable and effective fire retardant. The studies assessing the effect of the proportion of components of the molding composition, compaction pressure when forming the product on the final properties of the material.