Particle and volatile organic emissions from the combustion of a range of building and furnishing materials using a cone calorimeter

A series of experimental small-scale fire tests using a cone calorimeter were conducted. The objective of the tests was to provide a comparative assessment of particle and volatile organic compound emissions from the combustion of 10 commonly used types of building and furnishing materials relative to radiata pine, a dominant construction material. The materials tested included wood-based products (particle board, particle board with melamine surface finishes, medium-density fibreboard, painted pine), wool/nylon carpet, polyester insulation, two types of polyurethane (PUR) foams, high density polystyrene with cladding material and plasterboard. Tests were run at two irradiance levels, 25kWm−2 and 50kWm−2 under well-ventilated conditions. Samples were collected for analysis of gravimetric mass, particulate organic and elemental carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbonyls and volatile organic compounds along with continuous measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and fine particles (PM2.5).