Fire-protection properties

This chapter will deal primarily with thermal insulation. Acoustic and fire-protection properties and applications will be treated as subsidiary to the thermal insulation aspects. 

As mentioned above, the thermal stability of polymers is closely tied to the manifestation of fire-protection properties. Many factors causing the stability of the materials to the exposure of high temperatures are characteristic for the fire-resistant polymers too. 

So, as it comes from the above, the reactive compound involving halogens are widely used for imparting fire-protection properties to aromatic polyesters, as well as oligomer and polymeric antipyrenes. 

As part of the research, the investigation of the coatings based on perchlorovinyl resin and containing the developed intumescent additive PEDA on fire protective properties was conducted. The results are presented in Table 18.1. 

Nomex is another aramid fiber Kevlar and Nomex differ only in that the substitution pattern in the aromatic rings is para in Kevlar but meta in Nomex Nomex is best known for its fire resistant properties and is used in protective clothing for fire fighters astronauts and race car drivers... 

Eire Hazard Properties ofElammahle Eiquids, Gases, and Volatile Solids, Keport 325M-1984, National Fire Codes, Vol. 8, National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Mass. 

Dow Fire and Explosion Index. The Dow Eire and Explosion Index (3) is a procedure usehil for determining the relative degree of hazard related to flammable and explosive materials. This Index form works essentially the same way as an income tax form. Penalties are provided for inventory, extended temperatures and pressures, reactivity, etc, and credits are appHed for fire protection systems, process control (qv), and material isolation. The complete procedure is capable of estimating a doUar amount for the maximum probable property damage and the business intermptionloss based on an empirical correlation provided with the Index. 

Tire Hazard Properties oJTlammable Uiquids, Gases, Volatile Solids, BuU. No. 325M, National Fire Protection Association, Boston, Mass., 1977. 

Flash Point and Flammable Limits Flash points and flammable hmits in percent by volume have been tabulated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (National Fire Protection Association, Fire Hazard Properties of Flammable Liquids, Gases, and... 

Fire Protection Association (1977a) Fire and Related Properties of Industrial Chemicals, London. 

OTI607 Availability and properties of passive and active fire protection systems... 

NFPA-325 Guide to Fire Hazard Properties of Flammable Liquids, Gases and Volatile Solids, (1994 ed.), NFPA-321 Basic Classification of Flammable and Combustible Liquids (1991 ed.), NFPA-497A, Classification of Class 1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas (1992 ed.), and NFPA-497B, Classification of Class II Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas (1991 ed.), National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. 

Fires do occur and accidents happen. In selecting the appropriate material, consideration should be given to its fire-safety properties and to methods of maintaining the integrity of the protective cladding in fire situations. 

It is possible, however, to estimate effects on fire hazard in a particular scenario by simpler means. In some cases, an adequate choice of fire properties can be made. Then, the combination of test results into a matrix form, or into a single parameter, can indicate, even if only semi-quantitatively, the effect of varying a particular material or fire protection measure on fire hazard. 

---