Thermal and chemical identification of materials prior to combustion

The ability to identify, via remote sensing, the identity of materials prior to self-ignition is important for fire safety. We have developed a system to monitor, in real time, the thermal and chemical properties of specific materials under well controlled heating conditions. Our goal is to develop a library of the pre-combustion ¿signature¿ of materials commonly present in buildings. These signatures focus on the gases produced by combustion: CO, CO₂ and total hydrocarbons; as well as oxygen, an essential reactant. An infrared furnace is used to rapidly (few seconds) heat (up to 800°C) a small sample of combustible material, while output gases are monitored, with 1 s resolution, using a multi-component gas analyzer. Systematic measurements of PMMA, a thermoplastic, are presented. Ultimately these results will be used to provide first responders with remote knowledge of the type of fire prior to entering a site.