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PUBLICATIONS

Effect of Carbon Nanofiber Network Formation on Flammability of Flexible Polyurethane Foams

Published

Author(s)

Mauro Zammarano, Roland H. Kraemer, Richard H. Harris Jr., Thomas J. Ohlemiller, John R. Shields, Sameer Rahatekar, Jeffrey W. Gilman

Abstract

Polyurethane flexible foams (PUFs) are used extensively as upholstery and bedding materials. Untreated PUFs are prone to rapid fire growth due to their low density and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the low viscosity of the decomposition products generates severe dripping that increases the fire hazard related to the combustion of PUFs. In fact, this downward flow of flaming liquid often results in a pool-fire that promotes flame propagation and boosts the rate of heat release (HRR) due to a significant increase in the burning area and to feed-back between the flame on the pool-fire and the residual foam. In this work the effect of nanoparticles, i.e. clays and carbon nanofibers (CNFs), on the HRR is investigated with special attention given to melt dripping. A modified cone calorimeter test has been developed for this purpose. It is shown that CNFs eliminate melt dripping and decrease the HRR.
Citation
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
Pub Type
Journals

Keywords

flammability, foam, nanocomposite, polyurethane
Fire and Buildings and Construction

Citation

Zammarano, M. , Kraemer, R. , Harris Jr., R. , Ohlemiller, T. , Shields, J. , Rahatekar, S. and Gilman, J. (2017), Effect of Carbon Nanofiber Network Formation on Flammability of Flexible Polyurethane Foams, Macromolecular Rapid Communications (Accessed April 25, 2024)

Created February 19, 2017