Flammability of plastics I: Ignition temperatures

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Abstract
The Piloted ignition of six common thermoplastics has been studied by exposing horizontal samples (65 times; 65 times; 6 mm thick) to irradiance levels in the range 10–40 kw m−2. Fine thermocouples were attached to the exposed face and allowed the surface temperature to be monitored continuously. Times to sustained ignition from a small pilot flame and the corresponding surface temperature were recorded. Within experimental error, ignition temperatures showed no systematic dependence on surface area when this was reduced to ca 20 mm square. Times to ignition were dependent not only on radiant intensity but also on the spectral characteristics of the source.