Novel Clay-Based Coating May Point the Way to New Generation of Green Flame Retardants
In searching for better flame retardants for home furnishings – a large source of fuel in house fires – National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers defied the conventional wisdom and literally hit a wall, one made of clay. It wasn't a dead end, but rather a surprising result that may lead to a new generation of nonhalogenated, sustainable flame retardant technology for polyurethane foam.
Using a testing device called a cone calorimeter, NIST researchers measure the heat-release rate and other flammability properties of materials.