Fire Behaviour of Rigid Foam Insulation Boards
P. J. Briggs- Organic Chemistry
- Polymers and Plastics
Low density cellular polymers have established a significant share of the market for insulating materials in the building industry due to their unique combination of low density and low thermal conductivity. Manufacturers of rigid foam insulation boards have had to satisfy fire performance criteria required by national standards and by insurance organisations. Since cellular polymers are usually installed behind inorganic or metallic facings, small-scale fire tests are only relevant for development and quality control purposes. The characteristics of the fire behaviour of different rigid foams (i.e. PS, PUR, PIR and PF) are discussed.
Assessment of the potential fire hazard of an insulation board in use requires large-scale testing facilities. Evaluations of roofboard in the Factory Mutual Calorimeter and lining board in Corner Tests, including the FOC Wall and Ceiling Lining Test, are described. By careful material selection and composite engineering, the fire hazard of rigid foam insulation boards in building applications has been significantly reduced.