For certain materials, the velocity of the mixed gas stream used in an oxygen index determination has been reported to exert a strong influence on the ex perimental result. It is now possible to rationalise these reported dependences which are shown to result from the form of column used in the test. A proposed modification to the column outlet eliminates the dependence of oxygen index on gas velocity over the range of gas velocity permitted by the testing standards.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Standard Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to support Candle-like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index. American Society for Testing and Materials D2863-77, Philadelphia (1977).
2.
Fenimore, C.P. , and Martin, F.J., Modern Plastics43, 141 (1966).
3.
Walker, A.G. , Europlastics Monthly46, 72 (1973).
4.
Ahrens, H.W., and Zahradnik, B., Report No. BOU 29, South African CSIR Special Report, Pretoria (1973).
5.
Day, A.G., ERA Report 76-1031, Evaluation of Flammability Test Methods and Test Results, Electrical Research Association (March 1976).
6.
Bulewicz, E.M. , Piechocinska, I., and Kozlowski, R., Archiwum Termodynamiki i Spalania10 , 27 (1979).
7.
Charsley, E.L., Cox, C.T., Ottaway, M.R., and Redfern, J.P., Conference Workbook, Section 4, pp. 27-29, Interflam '79, University of Surrey, Guildford, England (27-29 March 1979).
8.
Wharton, R.K. , Fire and Materials5, 85 (1981).
9.
Wharton, R.K. , Fire and Materials5, 6 (1981).
10.
Wharton, R.K. , Journal of Fire and Flammability12, 266 (1981).
11.
Cullis, C.F. , and Hirschler, M.M., The Combustion of Organic Polymers , p. 52, Oxford University Press ( 1981).
12.
DiPietro, J. , and Stepniczka, H., Society of Plastics Engineers Journal27, 23 (1971).
