Toxic Nature of Gases from the Thermal Decomposition of Combustible Materials

摘要

When fire breaks out in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, escape is not immediately possible and it is necessary, first, to return to land. In this case toxic gases cause the major problem. For this reason it is necessary to select materials which will cause minimal toxicity in case of fire on board. A test chamber giving sufficient control over the thermal decompositions of materials to reproduce real life atmospheres as accurately as possible was designed. This prototype must have the following specific characteristics: a relatively small enclosed volume, rapid renewal of the air (a total change in three minutes) and the possibility of almost a total stoppage of ventilation, in order that it should be capable of simulating those situations encountered in flight. The prototype test chamber is described and the first results obtained with it are given. The aim is to be able, ultimately, and depending upon the danger criteria chosen, to supply bases against which selection of materials for the furnishing of aircraft cabins can be made.