Comprehensive assessment of fire hazard for polyurethane foam based on AHP-entropy-weighted TOPSIS

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative evaluation framework synergizing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), entropy method, and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method to analyze the fire hazards associated with various types of polyurethane foam. By integrating subjective and objective assessments through the AHP-Entropy-TOPSIS method, it transcends the limitations of traditional evaluation techniques, enhancing both accuracy and reliability. Leveraging data from cone calorimeter tests, a detailed hierarchy of fire behavior indicators is established, prioritizing heat release rates and toxic gas emissions as key factors in assessing fire risk. The application of this multi-faceted evaluation framework to five distinct polyurethane materials reveals a clear ranking of fire hazards, highlighting the critical importance of selecting appropriate flame-retardant additives. According to the composite score index evaluated by AHP-Entropy-TOPSIS method, the study concludes that the materials fire hazards are ranked as follows: PU (0.6927) exhibits the highest fire hazard, followed by PU/14APP/1B₄F (0.6044), PU/14APP/1PMA (0.5634), PU/15APP (0.4010), and PU/15BIO (0.3421) presenting the lowest fire hazard among the materials evaluated. This research contributes invaluable insights into fire hazard assessment, guiding material scientists and engineers toward safer polyurethane formulations and advancing the field of fire safety engineering.