Hsinjin Yang, Pioneer Scientific Solutions, presented work with the Micro Combustion Calorimeter (MCC) (ASTM D7309), which offers a 10-minute duration test using 3 – 5 mg of sample material. The objective is to offer reliable scientific data on fire performance: onset temperature, heat of combustion (HOC), heat release, pyrolysis kinetics.
An empirical but quantitative equation for the flammability index (Findex) was developed to for hydrocarbon, PVC and fluoro- polymers, which showed to be consistent with performance rating in cable application and able to distinguish the degree of flammability among materials with the same UL94 V0 rating. A proposal for a US National Research Center on “Fire Retardant Materials and Safety” (FRMS-RC) has been submitted to the National Science Foundation (NSF) with the objective of developing understanding of new non-halogenated flame retardant solutions, material combustion mechanisms, flammability characterization and toxicity of smoke emissions during combustion process..