XLPE - Cross Linked, Polyethylene Plastic: Commodity Classification

[Sdpaddler50]

I am doing a research project on this material to verify it's proper fire classification in regards to high pile storage. The MSDS does not help much - but that is no surprise. The product form is expanded, un cartoned, ie, large buns. FM classifies polyethylene as a Group B. The IFC (2010 CFC), and NFPA say Group A. I have done quite a bit of research on the web (NFPA, SFPE, etc) but I can not find anything specific to this XLPE type expanded plastic in regards to it's fire rating, ie, Group A or B. Has anyone dealt with this particular XLPE material? Any leads, fire test reports, or websites you can point me to would be appreciated.

 

[cdafd]

http://www.aquafoam.com/papers/flammability.pdf

http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/fire03/PDF/f03092.pdf

 

[stookeyfpe]

Is this a warehouse storing XLPE or does it contain other polymers? My position is that given the chemistry of plastics can be easily altered by the introduction of other compounds, its classified as Group A unless a reduction in classification can be quantified.

 

[Sdpaddler50]

This is a project for a nationwide manufacturer of this product, not one particular warehouse. They have been getting different commodity classifications, in different parts of the U.S. My task is to figure out which rating is appropriate. This may involve fire testing at a lab if needed. I am just getting started, and awaiting more info re polymers, fire retardants that my be added, etc. There is not much on the web regarding this particular material, so I figured I would throw it out there in case someone else has dealt with this XLPE material.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Spaddler,

Your best source for this will most likely be the Ignition Handbook and the latest edition of the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering. Marcelo Herschler wrote a new chapter in the SFPE Handbook on Polymers, which I have found useful. I'll pull the Ignition Handbook this evening and see what I can find on XLPE.

 

[Sdpaddler50]

Stookey, I had an older version of the SFPE handbook, but I will order the newer one so I will have access to Marcelo's information. My version is older than one of my teen age kids, so it is time to upgrade. Anything you can provide me from the Ignition Handbook would be greatly appreciated. I just checked the NFPA handbook, and Volume 1, Chapter 6 has some info on flame retardants and polymeric materials, so I will review that as well. Thanks for information - good stuff.