Study on fire-retardant properties of nano-wollastonite in fir wood (Abies alba)

In the present study, fire-retardant properties of nano-wollastonite in fir wood (Abies alba) was studied. Water absorption and volume swelling of the specimens were also measured. Specimens were prepared according to ISO 11925 standard specifications to measure the fire-retarding properties, and ASTM D4446 -2002 standard to measure physical properties. Impregnation of wood specimens with nano-wollastonite was carried out at four consumption levels of 4, 6/3, 10 and 12%, using Bethel method (full-cell process). Five fire-retarding properties were measured; weight loss (%), ignition point (s), duration of flame after removing the burner (s), duration of glow after removing the burner (s), and carbonization area (%). The results showed that fire-retarding properties increased with the NW-content. Furthermore, the treated wood specimens showed higher dimensional stability.