THE PARTICLE SIZE EFFECT ON COMBUSTION BEHAVIOR OF CELLULOSE INSULATION

The combustion of cellulose insulation treated with Borax, Boric acid and Aluminum Sulfate as combustion retardants is examined by candle type combustion tester. The cellulose fibers in cellulose insulation are classified by diameter as less than 0.2mm, 0.2mm-0.5mm, 0.5mm-2mm and more than 2mm. The burning behavior of cellulose insulation are studied by LOI (Limit Oxygen Index: Beginning point of smoldering), L- point (Lower point of combustion transition from smoldering- flaming to flaming combustion), LOI, L-point and H-point rise with the increasing particle size of cellulose fibers because thermal decomposition rate of cellulose fiber decreases. The phenomena of combustion transition from smoldering to flaming combustion are determined by the generating rate of combustible gas and the formation rate of combustible gas mixture within the zone of cellulose fiber heated.