Preliminary study on the suppression chemistry of water mists on poly(methyl methacrylate) flames

Z. Jiang, Wan Ki Chow, J. Tang, S. F. Li

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

It is well-known that fire suppression by water mist is mainly based on physical effects such as heat extraction, oxygen displacement and attenuation of thermal radiation. However, the chemical effects of water mist on fire suppression are not yet clearly understood. As polymeric materials have been widely used in modern buildings, investigating the suppression chemistry of water mist on burning polymers is also important. The objective of this paper is to simulate the water sprays for fire extinction by a small-scale apparatus. Combustion products of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in the surroundings with and without fine water mist were collected and analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC with mass spectrometry. The results showed that there exists a critical flow value of the water mist applied in the confined fire space. Complex products, such as aromatic compounds, were produced due to the interaction of water vapour with the PMMA flame.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)293-300
Number of pages8
JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability
Volume86
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2004

Keywords

  • Gas chromatography
  • Mass spectrometry
  • Poly(methyl methacrylate) flames

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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