Mechanistic evaluation of flame retardants during UL94 standard testing via IR-camera

An IR-camera is used for investigating flame retarding mode of actions during UL94 standard flammability test. Commonly used UL94 tests give qualitative results of burning behavior and are improved by taking temperature profiles with an IR-camera. Analysis of these profiles leads to new insights into the underlying mechanism of the flame retardant. Lower peak temperatures and faster cooling are a hint for a cooling mechanism. A shorter time range to reach the peak temperature is significant for dilution. Every flame retarding mode of action has its own specific influence on the temperature profile. Therefore, a more detailed conclusion of the flame retarding behavior of flame retardants can be obtained by the method described here.