Interior performance test

Results indicate that while there are significant differences among vehicles, the large majority of car interior materials tested (a random yet indicative cross-section) represent a fire performance that is, at best, mediocre. Moreover, the comparison between the two sets of materials shows that car interior plastics are likely to ignite much faster than commercially available plastics and release heat almost twice as fast. 

Many specialized tests have been developed to measure the application, appearance and resistance properties of interior decorative coatings. The reader is referred to the specific ASTM and ISO test methods given in Tab. 6-3, and the cited references [13-14] for a more detailed description of test method protocols. Our objective in this section, and in the subsequent application and performance test sections, will be to identify the key performance features and to give the reader an overview of how these tests are conducted. 

Because the Cadenza has a cover that encloses the slides and reagents, a test was performed to evaluate conditions within the closed cover during operation. A prewarmed Cadenza, in standby mode with 50 mL of water in the waste tray, was observed over a 4-h period. With the lid closed, recordings of temperature and humidity were taken from a sensor placed above the slide coverplate assemblies. After 2.5 h, the temperature within the instrument rose -h4°C, and the humidity dropped -3%. After this interval, the interior temperature and humidity remained stable. 

Using full-scale fire test facilities of the Illinois Institute of Technology-Research Institute (IITRI), Christian and Waterman (69) studied fire and smoke behavior of interior finish materials including fire-retardant-treated wood products. The authors found that the materials performed according to a... 

As mentioned earlier, the fire hazard of interior finish materials is primarily due to the potential for rapid wind-aided flame spread over the surface. It is therefore not a surprise that reaction-to-fire requirements for interior finish materials in U.S. building codes are primarily based on performance in a wind-aided flame spread test. The apparatus of this test is often referred to as the Steiner tunnel. The Steiner tunnel test is described in ASTM E 84. Although the test does not measure any material properties that can be used in a model-based hazard assessment, a discussion of the test is included here due to its practical importance for the passive fire protection of buildings in the United States. 

Several standard room/corner test protocols are now available and are specified in codes and regulations for qualifying interior finishes. For example, U.S. model building codes require that textile wall coverings for use in unsprinklered compartments meet specific performance requirements when tested according to NFPA 265. The principal requirement of these tests is that flash-over does not occur. The same codes also require that all other interior wall and ceiling finish materials comply with requirements based on NFPA 286, including a limit on the total smoke released. 

A structural flooring assembly separating the interior of a vehicle from its undercarriage shall meet the performance criteria during a nominal test period as determined by the railroad. 

Frey s variant of the silvered vessel test has been in use in the Germany In its variant, different amounts of heat are supplied to the electric heating elements mounted inside the Dewar flask, and the temperature differences between the interior of the Dewar vessel and the furnace are measured by thermocouples. A calibration curve is plotted from the values thus obtained, and the heat of decomposition of the propellant is read off the curve. In this way, the decomposition temperature at a constant storage temperature can be determined as a function of the storage time, and the heat of decomposition of the propellants can thus be compared with each other. If the measurements are performed at different storage temperatures, the tempera-... 

A black-and-white felt rub-down test is performed to demonstrate adequate cleanliness of the interior clean-envelope surfaces. This test consists of both black-and-white felt being wiped over any surface for 1 m linear distance with a firm hand pressure. No residue should be visible on the cloth. Each cloth should be 60cm square black or white static-free natural hber felt folded with cut edges inside to a 25-cm square. The cut edges should be sealed with an approved latex sealant. 

Abstract Adsorption and desorption of indoor air pollutants to and from indoor surfaces are important phenomena. Often called sink effects, these processes can have a major impact on the concentration of pollutants in indoor environments and on the exposure of human occupants to indoor air pollutants, Basic theories are used to describe the processes using fundamental equations. These equations lead to models describing sink effects in indoor environments. Experimental studies have been performed to determine the important parameters of the sink models. Studies conducted in dynamic, flow-through environmental test chambers have quantified adsorption and desorption rates for many combinations of indoor air pollutants and interior surfaces. Sink effects have been incorporated into indoor air quality (lAQ) models to predict how adsorption and desorption processes affect... 

Typically available as a 5 to 20% solution in plasticisers or PVC pellets, it is also a strong skin sensitiser in liquid form. For some applications where the DCOIT is not readily available on the surface (interior, slightly damp applications) this biostabiliser can fail to perform adequately and fails some test protocols because of its very low migration levels. However, in field tests it... 

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