Database Construction for Combustibility of Plastic Materials

In this study, the combustion characteristics of various synthetic polymers (plastics) are investigated using a cone calorimeter. Twenty-four types of plastics, such as general plastic and foamed plastic, are considered. The combustion characteristics of plastics can be expressed using a simple pyrolysis model, in which the material generates heat at a given heat release rate upon reaching the pyrolysis temperature. Ignition temperature is obtained by using the ignition times and maximum heat release rates obtained for various incident heat fluxes to the specimens. The database constructed herein provide information on the linearized heat release rate, effective heat of combustion, maximum heat release rate of plastics, and can be used for predicting flame propagation in solid materials of fire phenomena analysis tools and for analyzing flame propagation characteristics and predicting risk in various spaces, as well as buildings and railway vehicles. Keywords: Plastics, Cone Calorimeter, Combustibility, Heat Release Rate, Ignition Temperature