Characterization of the Combustion Parameters of Impregnated and Varnished Cedar Wood (Cedrus libani)

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of various types of impregnating and surface treatment materials on the fire resistance of wood material indoors and outdoors. Wood samples (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) were impregnated with Wolmanit-CB or Tanalith-E according to ASTM D1413-76 (American Society for Testing and Materials 1976). The impregnated surface was treated with either synthetic or water-based outdoor varnish materials. The impregnated and varnished samples were left in outdoor conditions for 1 year. The combustion characteristics of the samples were investigated at the end of 1 year according to the combustion parameters detailed in the ASTM E160-50 (1975) combustion test. The results of this study indicated that the combustion parameters were lower in the 1-year-old samples (89.12% of control values), in the samples impregnated using Wolmanit-CB (89.18% of control values), and in samples treated using water-based varnish (88.43% of control values). The analysis of flue gas indicated that the O-2 content of the 1-year-old samples impregnated with Wolmanit-CB and treated with synthetic varnish was higher, whereas the CO content was lower. In conclusion, impregnated Wolmanit-CB specimens provide higher fire resistance.