Experimental Study on the Self-extinguishing Performance of Extruded Polystyrene Insulation for Buildings and Suggestions on Institutional Management

• Published in: Fire Science and Engineering Vol. 34; no. 3; pp. 141 - 149
• Main Authors: Kang, Jung Ki, Choi, Don Mook
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 30.06.2020
• ISSN: 1738-7167; 2508-6804
• DOI: 10.7731/KIFSE.4e82ff94

The Korea Industrial Standards (KS) stipulates methods and test procedures for measuring the horizontal combustibility of cellular plastics exposed to small flames (KS M ISO 9772:2018) and recommendations regarding the magnetic digestion of extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) for measurement results (KS M 3808:2020). Although products that are certified to conform to KS standards must have burning characteristics (self-extinguishing), they are incinerated and spread by welds at construction sites, causing significant human and property damages. In this study, XPS produced by five companies, certified by KS, and sold in the market were purchased and tested for ignition and diffusion caused by a weld bullion at a construction site. The results showed that the five products had differences in performance. Three out of the five products were found to be self-saturated, but the other two were easily ignited and diffused, making it difficult for them to be self-extinguishing. Based on the result of this experimental investigation in line with the KS regulations, all the three types of products, including two types of products that were incinerated through weld defects, were found to be non-self- extinguishing, as specified in KS M 3808.