Note: Effect of some halogenated flame retardants on the thermal characteristcs of selected tropical construction materials

Abstract The effects of some halogenated flame retradants (FR), sodium bromide and ammonium cupric chloride dihydrate (ACCD) on the thermal behaviour of roofing palm ( Borassus aethiopun ) and rattan palm ( calamus deeratus ) were studied. Their ignition time, flame propagation rate and afterglow time were investigated. No ignition occurred on the materials treated with 0.4M ACCD and no ignition was observed on roofing palm treated with 0.8M sodium bromide. Flame propagation rate and afterglow time were drastically reduced. Gravimetric analysis showed that these retardants acted by vapour phase and condensed phase mechanisms. An increase in char formation was also noted as a result of this treatment in all cases.