Premium
Flammability reduction of flexible polyurethane foams via carbon nanofiber network formation
Author(s) -
Zammarano Mauro,
Krämer Roland H.,
Harris Richard,
Ohlemiller Thomas J.,
Shields John R.,
Rahatekar Sameer S.,
Lacerda Silvia,
Gilman Jeffrey W.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.1111
Subject(s) - cone calorimeter , materials science , flammability , composite material , polyurethane , flame spread , combustion , carbon nanofiber , fire performance , thermal conductivity , nanofiber , thermal decomposition , fiber , flammability limit , pyrolysis , char , chemical engineering , carbon nanotube , engineering , chemistry , organic chemistry , fire resistance
Untreated polyurethane flexible foams (PUFs) are prone to rapid fire growth due to their low density and low thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the low viscosity of the decomposition products generates severe dripping that increases the fire hazard related to the combustion of PUFs. In fact, this downward flow of flaming liquid often results in a pool‐fire that promotes flame propagation and boosts the rate of heat release (HRR) due to a significant increase in the burning area and to feed‐back between the flame on the pool‐fire and the residual foam. In this work the effect of nanoparticles, i.e., clays and carbon nanofibers (CNFs), on the HRR is investigated with special attention given to melt dripping. A modified cone calorimeter test has been developed for this purpose. It is shown that CNFs form an entangled fiber network which eliminates melt dripping and decreases the HRR. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.