Flammability reduction of flexible polyurethane foams via carbon nanofiber network formation

M Zammarano, RH Kramer, R Harris, TJ Ohlemiller, JR Shields, SS Rahatekar, S Lacerda, JW Gilman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

111 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Untreated polyurethane flexible foams (PUFs) are prone to rapid fire growth due to their low density and low thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the low viscosity of the decomposition products generates severe dripping that increases the fire hazard related to the combustion of PUFs. In fact, this downward flow of flaming liquid often results in a pool-fire that promotes flame propagation and boosts the rate of heat release (HRR) due to a significant increase in the burning area and to feed-back between the flame on the pool-fire and the residual foam. In this work the effect of nanoparticles, i.e., clays and carbon nanofibers (CNFs), on the HRR is investigated with special attention given to melt dripping. A modified cone calorimeter test has been developed for this purpose. It is shown that CNFs form an entangled fiber network which eliminates melt dripping and decreases the HRR.
Translated title of the contributionFlammability reduction of flexible polyurethane foams via carbon nanofiber network formation
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)588 - 595
Number of pages8
JournalPolymers for Advanced Technologies
Volume19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2008

Bibliographical note

Publisher: Wiley

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Flammability reduction of flexible polyurethane foams via carbon nanofiber network formation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this