combustibility of loose fiber fill cellulose insulation: the role of borax and boric acid

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1978 · J. Therm. Insul.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/109719637800200104· OSTI ID:6335473

Day, M; Wiles, D M

The influence of borax and boric acid on the resistance of cellulose insulation to smouldering and flaming combustion has been examined using material treated by a wet application process. Boric acid has been shown to be required at an add-on level of at least 11.6 parts to 100 parts (by weight) of cellulose if resistance to smouldering combustion by cigarette ignition is to be achieved. In order to increase the resistance of the material to flaming combustion, however, it has been shown that borax is required in the formulation. Moreover, in order to maintain the resistance to smouldering combustion it has been found necessary subsequently to increase the add-on of boric acid. the relationship between the amount of boric acid required to maintain resistance to smouldering combustion while providing for resistance to flaming combustion with borax is given by: boric acid required (pph) = 11.6 + (0.185 x (borax used)).

• Research Organization: National Research Council, Ottawa, Canada
• OSTI ID: 6335473
• Journal Information: J. Therm. Insul.; (United States), Vol. 2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
42 ENGINEERING
CELLULOSE
FIRE RESISTANCE
THERMAL INSULATION
BORIC ACID
COMBUSTION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
GRAPHS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
TABLES
CARBOHYDRATES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DATA
DATA FORMS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INFORMATION
INORGANIC ACIDS
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
POLYSACCHARIDES
SACCHARIDES
TESTING
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
360603* - Materials- Properties
320100 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Buildings
420600 - Engineering- Safety Engineering- (-1987)
420500 - Engineering- Materials Testing