Material Flammability
Testing

The Material Flammability Testing Section in the Fire Technology Department of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division performs tests to evaluate the ignition, flame spread, heat release rate, smoke production rate, and toxic potency characteristics of materials and assemblies. Many of the tests are conducted according to domestic or international standard procedures, and involve small to intermediate-scale specimens. Standard tests are often supplemented with additional instrumentation, or, if necessary, completely new custom-designed procedures are developed to fulfill specific client needs. The Material Flammability Section supports activities of the Engineering and Research Section by providing tests, data for computer fire model input, and evaluation. Experimental support is also provided to the Listing, Labeling, and Follow-Up Inspection Services Section in the form of testing services for quality assurance of products and materials.

Barry Badders, M.E., P.E., Manager

Technical strengths and contacts in the section include:

• Small-scale calorimetry and combustibility (ASTM E1354, ASTM E136, ASTM D1929)
  Christina Gomez
  
  
• Intermediate-scale calorimetry (furniture tests, room tests, European SBI test)
  Barry Badders, M.E., P.E.
  
  
• Large-scale calorimetry (pool fires, commodities, large furnished compartments)
  Jason Huczek
  
  
• Consumer products
  Barry Badders, M.E., P.E.
  
  
• Marine products (IMO fire test procedures, fire restricting materials testing)
  Christina Gomez
  
  
• Flame Spread (ASTM E 84 tunnel and various small-scale flammability and crawl space tests)
  Barry Badders, M.E., P.E.
  
  
• Roofing and claddings (ASTM E108 fire and UL 2218 hail drop tests of roofs)
  Marshall Sharp
  
  
• Combustibility, smoke, and toxicity (ASTM E662, UPitt, BSS 7239, FTIR analysis of effluents from various fire tests)
  Christina Gomez
  
  
• Dust and vapor cloud explosions
  Alexandra Joyce
  

Fire Technology Department
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division
SwRI Technical Divisions SwRI Home

January 24, 2012