Phase 1, UFAC Open Flame Tests.

Abstract

A test protocol involving 15 different fabrics was developed to determine if there was adequate technical justification to add TB-117 foam to the UFAC voluntary program. The fabrics represented a cross section of those currently being used in residential furniture. Cushions were made using TB-117 type polyurethane foam, conventional polyurethane foam, and polyester fiber wrap between the fabric cover and the foam cores. The ignition and flame spread characteristics of each sample was determined and visual comparisons of the burning characteristics of the flame retarded vs. non flame retarded conventional foam were made. Small open flame testing and cigarette ignition testing were performed separately on each type cushion construction. The tests were designed to simulate a carelessly dropped match on the top of a cushion, or the careless dropping of four cigarettes on the top of a cushion. A methenamine pill was used as the small open flame source, and a Pall Mall cigarette was used for the standard UFAC testing. The conclusion drawn from the cigarette ignition testing was that the TB-117 foam made no difference or improvement in cigarette ignition propensity. The conclusions drawn from the small open flame testing were: 1.The TB-117 foam made no significant, consistent difference in either ignition or flame spread. 2.These tests demonstrated that changes in construction to improve small open flame performance can negatively affect performance in cigarette ignition. 3.The use of polyester fiber wrap topper pads had no significant qualitative effect on small open flame ignition or flame spread