Predicting the Ignition Time and Burning Rate of Thermoplastics in the Cone Calorimeter

Abstract

Ignition and burning rate data are developed for Nylon 6/6, Polyethylene, and Polypropylene in a Cone Calorimeter heating assembly. The objective is to examine a testing protocol that leads to the prediction of ignition and burning rate for thermoplastics from Cone data. The flame heat flux is not measured, but is inferred from Cone data. The constancy of the flame heat flux for thermoplastics in the Cone calorimeter is due to the geometry of the flame. The burning rate model is shown to yield good accuracy in comparison to measured transient values. Ignition and burning rate data are developed for Redwood and Red Oak in a Cone Calorimeter heating assembly. Measurements of the flame plus external heat flux are presented. The data is intended to be used for future work to develop a testing protocol and burning rate model for charring materials.