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 January 19, 2025)
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Evaluating smoldering behavior of fire-blocking barrier fabrics
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Author(s)
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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 Commissions 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
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
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Keywords
Upholstered furniture, barrier fabrics, smoldering, air-permeability, char length, mass loss
Citation
Issues
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Created January 29, 2015, Updated May 1, 2019