Analysis of the Thermal Decomposition and Flammability of Polyurethane Materials Used in Building Insulation and in the Automotive Industry

Abstract

The development of technology and newer requirements for materials leads to an increase in their production and storage. In the past, serious fires have occurred in public buildings, residential buildings, industrial halls, and warehouses where plastics were used or produced, resulting in disastrous consequences for the environment and human health. For this reason, it is important to examine the risks to people and the environment that arise during a fire in places where these materials are located and stored. Polyurethane foams (PUF) used in building insulation and the automotive industry have been analyzed to determine their flammability and smoke emission during combustion. The thermal stability of PUFs was assessed using simultaneous thermal analysis (STA). Released gases were identified using STA combined with FT-IR (STA/FT-IR). Fire resistance and smoke emission during combustion were evaluated using cone calorimetry and a smoke chamber. Differences in thermal decomposition and combustion characteristics, including smoke release, were observed. The combustion of semi-rigid foam was accompanied by the lowest total smoke release and the lowest total heat release. However, the combustion of flexible foam was characterized by the highest amount of smoke and a high rate of heat release, despite only a 5% weight loss at the highest temperature. In the case of rigid foam, a large residue in the form of a carbonized layer was observed.