[ST] Tyvek (was: Re: Stairwells)

[Benjamin Cline]

On Thu, 6 Dec 2007, Laura Sweet wrote:
> Everybody, As to flammability, the murals would be painted on Tyvek of
> course. Fiberglass, last I checked, was considered non-flammable.
>

Umm, Tyvek(R) is Tyvek(R) and fiberglass is fiberglass. While fiberglass
is non-flammable Tyvek(R) will most certainly burn.

All quotes below from the Tyvek(R) Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
found at http://industrialpackaging.dupont.com/4products/msds.pdf

"DuPont Tyvek(R) is a continuous fiber form of high density polyethylene
composed of carbon and hydrogen. The polymer contains typical polyolefin
processing additives, each of which is present at a weight concentration
of less than 1.0% Some styles of Tyvek(R) are coated with an antistatic
agent."

So Tyvek(R) is carbon and hydrogen. A hydrocarbon. Do you know what
happens when you combine a hydrocarbon with heat and oxygen? That's right
kids, it burns!

"FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Flammable Properties

Products made from Tyvek(R) are not intended for use in fire-retardant
garments. Fabrics of Tyvek(R) should not be used near heat, flame, sparks
nor in explosive environments.

When exposed to temperatures at or above its melting point of 275F (135C),
Tyvek(R) tends to shrink away from the heat source. If the heat source
reaches the auto-ignition temperature of 750F (400C), Tyvek(R) will burn
and ignited droplets may fall or be blown away from the ignition source,
which can cause fire to spread.

Type 14 and type 16 Tyvek(R) are rated "Class 1 - Normal Flammability" by
the Federal Flammable Fabrics Act for Clothing Textiles (16 CFR 1610).
Type 14 Tyvek(R) fabric does not pass DOC FF 3-71, "Childrens Sleepwear
Test" and does not pass NFPA 701.

Gases/vapors produced in fire from complete combustion of Tyvek(R) are CO2
and water. Incomplete combustion yields hazardous gases/vapors including
CO, acrolein, other aldehydes, ketones, fatty acids and short-chain
hydrocarbons."

At least the ignition temperature is considerably higher than that of
paper and the NFPA flammability rating is only "1" (Material must be
pre-heated before ignition can occur).

	Benji

-- 
Benjamin R. Cline
brc at peppermint dot org