BASIC POLYMER MATERIAL PROPERTIES FOR FLAME SPREAD

We present and demonstrate the application of a systematic methodology for predicting fire spread and growth and for a relative fire hazard classification of materials for any scale and fire environment. This m ethodology consists of three steps: (1) select laboratory test methods to perform flammability measurements; (2) based on these measurements . obtain key flammability material properties which are precisely defi ned in this work; and (3) use these properties in a mathematical model of fire spread and growth to predict fire hazards. The complementary test methods we have selected and used are: (a) a general flammability test apparatus (such as NIST or FMRC) [1,2] modified to also provide pyrolysis measurements in an inert N2 atmosphere; (b) the Limited Oxyg en Index (LOI) apparatus, which is used here as a tool for obtaining p roperties needed for creeping flame spread and extinction, including v itiated environments; and (c) a solid material smoke-point height appa ratus [8], which is used to characterize the smokiness of the burning material needed to determine the radiation and smoke yield for arbitra ry fire situations (wall fires, pool fires or ceiling fires) [8]. The use and proper interpretation of the Limited Oxygen Index apparatus ca n replace the LIFT [10] apparatus for determining in a more accurate a nd direct way the material properties required for creeping (vertical downward, lateral, horizontal) flame spread. The present methodology h as been compared well with experiments in this work and elsewhere [9], and it has been used to predict critical conditions for fire spread [ 11], not empirically as it is usually done, but based on first princip les of fire spread, fire growth and burning, together with material fl ammability properties systematically deduced from small-scale test mea surements.