The fire properties of cellulose as they relate to the potential fire hazard of cellulose insulation are examined and methods of reducing these hazards are reviewed. The suitability of various smoulder and flame resistance tests for evaluating the fire properties is also considered. The effect of water and temper ature cycling upon combustion retardant chemical migration and resultant fire properties of the material are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
J. Lyons"The Chemistry and Uses of Flame Retardants"Wiley Interscience (1970).
2.
M. Day and D.M. Wiles, J. Cons. Prd. Flamb.5, 113 (1978).
3.
M. Day and D.M. Wiles, J. Cons. Prd. Flamb.6,20 (1979).
4.
M. Day and D.M. Wiles, J. Cons. Prd. Flamb.6, 105 (1979).
5.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, "Cellulose Home Insulation', Federal Register43 (49), 10427 (1978).
6.
Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Hazardous Products (Cellulose Insulation) Regulations.Canada Gazette Part II, Vol. 113, No. 20, 3645, October 1979.
7.
Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada, "Guide for Small Scale Fire and Smouldering Tests for Cellulose Fibre Loose Fill Insulation", ULC Subject C723(S) Second Edition revised June 1979.
8.
General Services Administration (GSA)Federal Specification HH-1-515D, "Insulation Thermal (Loose Fill for Pneumatic Pouring Applications): Cellulose or Wood Fibre", (1978).
9.
M. Day et. al., "Co-operative Study on Fire Tests for Cellulose Insulation", J. Fire and Flammability in press.
10.
R.W. Sprague , J. Thermal Insulation2, 197 ( 1979).
11.
R.W. Anderson , J. Thermal Insulation2, 7 (1978 ).
12.
M. Day, T. Suprunchuk and D.M. Wiles, J. Cons. Product Flamb., 7 , 3 (1980).
13.
Canadian Government Specification Board; Standard for Thermal Insulation, Cellulose Fiber, Loose Fill, 51-GP-60M, April 1979.
14.
Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada, Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Flooring, Floor Coverings and Miscellaneous Materials, Method S102.2.- 1978.
15.
American Society for Testing Materials, Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials , ASTM Designation E84-76.
16.
D. Gross, "A Preliminary Study of the Fire Safety of Thermal Insulation for Use in Attics or Enclosed Spaces in Residential Housing", NBS I R 78-1497 July 1978.
17.
C.H. Adams, "Draft Procedure, Surface Flammability of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source", June 13, 1975, National Bureau of Standards.
18.
General Services Administration (GSA)Federal Specification HH-1-515D, "Insulation Thermal (Loose Fill for Pneumatic or Pouring Applications): Cellulose or Wood Fiber"1978.
19.
M. Day, T. Suprunchuk and D.M. Wiles, Tex. Res. J.49, (2) 88 (1979).
20.
M. Day, T. Suprunchuk and D.M. Wiles, J. Cons. Prd. Flamb.6, 165 (1979).
21.
Canadian Government Specifications Board, Method 27.6 in National Standard of Canada, Textile Test Methods CAN 2-4.2 M77 (1977).
22.
American Society for Testing Materials, Standard Method of Test for Flammability of Finished Textile Floor Covering Materials, ASTM Designation D2859-76.
