Self-Heating to Ignition Measurements and Computation of Critical Size for Solar Energy Collector Materials. Final Report.

Published

March 1, 1985

Author(s)

J J. Loftus

Abstract

Kinetic constants of the self-heating reaction were determined for plywood, a retardant treated plywood, and eight samples of polyurethane foam represnting possibly two different kinds of foam materials. Under the assumption that self-heating follows a first order reaction, these constants were used to calculate the critical half thickness of slabs of these materials for surface temperatures likely to be experienced during long term use in solar energy collectors. Based on these calculations, estimates are provided on the self-heating or ignition hazards associated with the size and use of these materials in solar energy systems.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) -

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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Keywords

critical temperature, ignition hazards, polyurethane foams, plywood, reaction rate, self-heating, solar collectors, wood, solar energy

Citation

Loftus, J. (1985), Self-Heating to Ignition Measurements and Computation of Critical Size for Solar Energy Collector Materials. Final Report., NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=101525 (Accessed October 24, 2025)