The Effect of Trichlia emetica Leaf Extract on the Flammability of Flexible Polyurethane Foam

Abstract

Due to the health and environmental consequences of conventional flame retardants the incorporation of new plant based flame retardants becomes imperative. Hence the choice of the leaves of Trichlia emetica as a flame retardant on flexible polyurethane foam based on Hausa folklore tradition that it is used as a flame retardant. Analysis of the treated flexible polyurethane foam revealed that add on percentage ranged from 9-21%, Ignition time between ranged within 6-14 sec, flame propagation rate 0.42-0.22 cm/s, after glow time decreased from 12 sec to 2 sec and char formation increased from 18% to 26%. Which indicated a modification of the flammability characteristics of the flexible polyurethane foam

Keywords: Add on, After glow, Char, Flame propagation rate, Flame retardants, Ignition time, Polyurethane