Citation

Drysdale DD, Thomson HE. Fire Safety J. 1989; 14(3): 179-188.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The piloted ignition of five common thermoplastics and three fire-retarded modifications has been studied by exposing horizontal samples to irradiance levels in the range 12 - 35 kW/m2. By monitoring the sample weight continuously, it has been possible to determine the minimum rate of evolution of decomposition products necessary to support sustained flaming. The results are significantly lower than values reported elsewhere: it is suggested that this may be attributed to a lower convective heat transfer coefficient at the exposed surface in the present apparatus.