Citation

Lebek K, Hull TR, Price D. Fire Polym. IV Mater. Concepts Hazard Prev. 2006; 334-347.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American Chemical Society, Publisher Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The low flammability of PVC as a bulk polymer is counterbalanced by its higher toxicity in a fire. Rigid PVC has been subjected to decomposition, early well-ventilated and developed, low-ventilation flaming combustion in a tube furnace (the Purser furnace) following the methodology described in IEC 60695-7-50. Analysis of the temperature profiles within the tube furnace showed stratification at low air flow rates and uneven mixing within the tube Conversely, within the effluent dilution chamber, it was shown that complete mixing had taken place. In comparision with hydrocarbon polymers, yields of carbon monoxide are shown to increase in the presence of HCl, giving high levels of fire toxicity for both well ventilated and low ventilation conditions. Under smouldering conditions, large quantities of HCl are evolved but most of the carbon remains as residue.