Energy-Storing Wallboard: Flammability Tests

Abstract

Flammability tests were conducted on energy-storing wallboard—ordinary gypsum wallboard impregnated with approximately 24% organic phase change material (PCM). Such wallboard is able to store or release a significant amount of thermal energy. The major energy storage factor is the latent heat of the PCM, which is endothermic as PCM melts and exothermic as it crystallizes. A short presentation of the results obtained in the evaluation of such wallboard points out that flammability tests represent almost the last stage in this evaluation. The flammability tests evaluated the surface burning characteristics: flame spread and smoke development classifications determined in a Steiner tunnel, as well as heat and smoke release rates determined by cone calorimeter. The tests indicated that the energy-storing wallboard does not meet all requirements in the National Building Code regarding fire characteristics for building materials. Therefore, the possibility of reducing its flammability is discussed. Comparison of the test results with similar data for other building materials indicates the possibility of reducing the flammability of energy-storing wallboard by the incorporation of a flame retardant.