Citation

Mowrer FW. Fire Mater. 2004; 28(5): 355-385.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The flammability of painted gypsum wallboard (GWB) exposed to fire heat fluxes is investigated. GWB samples coated with multiple layers of alkyd/oil-based paint are subjected to constant incident heat fluxes of 35, 50 and 75kW/m(2) in the Cone Calorimeter for periods of 5, 10 and 15 min. A number of coats of alkyd/oil-based interior semi-gloss enamel paint, including 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 coats, are applied over a single coat of oil-based primer to the exposed surface of 16 mm (5/8 in.) thick type X GWB. Unpainted type X GWB is also evaluated under the same exposure conditions. The potential for upward flame spread based on the Cone Calorimeter results is evaluated. The occurrence of paint 'blistering' is observed to have a significant effect on the time to ignition and consequently on the potential for upward flame spread. Further work is needed to evaluate the conditions under which 'blistering' will occur and its effects on the potential for surface flame spread on painted gypsum wallboard.