Evaluating smoldering behavior of fire-blocking barrier fabrics

Published

January 29, 2015

Author(s)

Shonali Nazare, William M. Pitts, Szabolcs Matko, Rick D. Davis

Abstract

This study reports on the smoldering propensity of commercially available barrier fabrics (BFs) in a small-scale mock-up configuration. Most BFs are smolder resistant when tested alone over a standard flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF). However, when covered with a smolder-prone cover fabric (CF), most BFs failed the smoldering ignition test described in the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s proposed standard 16 CFR 1634. Results of this study suggest that the smolder-prone CFs, when placed on top of a number of BFs, are capable of releasing sufficient heat to initiate the char-oxidation smoldering process of some of the BFs and subsequently transmit the heat to the underlying FPUF. A smoldering index for BFs was derived from the measured char volume fraction (CVF) of the FPUF by varying the BF component in the FPUF/BF/CF mock-up systems, while holding the other two components constant. Of the 20 BFs tested in this study, five BFs self-extinguished and passed the smoldering ignition test criterion as described in the proposed 16 CFR 1634. The smoldering index for these BFs was zero. BFs with smoldering index of 1 or more resulted in sustained smoldering in the FPUF. The smoldering propensity of BFs and the amount of heat transmitted to the FPUF varied depending on the BF structure, fiber content, air permeability, and bulk density. Flame retardant treatments and use of char forming fibers showed a greater tendency for BF smolder in the presence of the smolder-prone CF. BFs with char-forming fiber blends had greater smoldering propensity as compared to BFs with low charring fiber blends. The lower the smoldering propensity of the BF, the less likely was the development of sustained smoldering in the FPUF.

Citation

Technical Note (NIST TN) - 1859

Report Number

1859

NIST Pub Series

Technical Note (NIST TN)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.1859

Keywords

Upholstered furniture, barrier fabrics, smoldering, air-permeability, char length, mass loss

Citation

Nazare, S. , Pitts, W. , Matko, S. and Davis, R. (2015), Evaluating smoldering behavior of fire-blocking barrier fabrics, Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.1859 (Accessed April 19, 2024)