Are Foams a Fire Hazard?
W.D. Woolley- Organic Chemistry
- Polymers and Plastics
Over the last decade growing concern has been voiced about the fire hazards of cellular polymers used in building and transport applications. Some of this concern is justified as illustrated by recent fires and experimental simulations where rapid fire development has occurred with potential for death or injury from the spread of combustion products within very short periods of time.
Many technical difficulties have arisen in the use of synthetic foams. Their introduction has presented problems since the test methods used traditionally to assess performance have been somewhat inadequate to cope effectively with the new properties of polymers and polymer composites.
Major progress is being made in understanding the fire behaviour of cellular polymers. This involves studies of ignitability, flame spread, heat release, and the production of smoke and toxic gases. In parallel to this, important technical advances have been made by industry in the development of new formulations of cellular materials and composites with improved fire behaviour.
It is now time to bring together the current knowledge of all aspects of cellular polymers in fire so that further applications of these materials can continue safely allowing full use of their potential for improving the comfort and efficiency of our lives.
This paper examines the basic problems which have occurred during the use of cellular polymers with regard to fire. Recent fire scenarios which have attracted attention to cellular materials and the ways the hazard is being addressed and mitigated are discussed. To aid this the paper also examines the basic mechanisms of burning of the polymers and the associated hazard to life.
Finally it should be emphasised that much of this paper is directed, intentionally, to understanding circumstances where untoward events may occur to place life in jeopardy. This approach is necessary for the elimination of potentially hazardous situations and to enable the continuing use of cellular polymers in a safe way.