Analysis of fire gases released from polyurethane and fire-retarded polyurethane coatings

We have investigated the analysis of smoke and gases generated under various thermal decomposition conditions of polyurethane (PU) and fire retarded polyurethane coatings. The use of Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis has allowed the continuous detection of a number of the most important fire gases. We have shown that the addition of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) in PU sharply decreases at the same time the emission of toxic gases such as CO or HCN, the optical density of smoke, the weight loss and the formation of soot. Expandable graphite, when added in PU, enables a decrease in toxic gases in a lower proportion than APP. In addition, rye note that oxidation reactions strongly influence the nature of the combustion gases in case of fire.