Physical parameters for a ‘fire model’ which allows a comparative study of polymer behaviour in the case of fire

Abstract The pyrolysis of various materials is effected in a 0·06 m 3 cubic oven by the use of epiradiators. A study of the parameters—mass, temperature and emission of fumes—allows one to anticipate the behaviour of these materials in the case of a real fire and then to assess their degree of danger. A computer is used to record and treat the data obtained. It is then possible to obtain curves corresponding to the changes in these parameters and their derivatives or integrals. Thus we can estimate the rate of thermal decomposition of the material, the quantity of fumes produced, or the heat generated during the thermolysis of the material.