Modelling of heat release rate-time curves from cone calorimeter for burning of polymers with intumescence additives

Heat release rate-time curves for intumescent additives used in the mass of polymer during its burning in a cone calorimeter were simulated using the kinetic model of ignition, burning and extinction of polymer flames. The model works with ordinary differential equations and with an average value of heat transfer coefficient to the polymer surface. The mutual correspondance between the production of volatiles from polymer and formation of protecting intumescent carbonaceous foam was demonstrated on curves of surface temperature, mass loss and heat release rate versus time. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited