Analysis of the Flame Retardant Abilities of Magnesium Hydroxide, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Corn Ash

In this experiment, strips of cotton cloth that were treated with 3% solutions of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), and corn ash were ignited and allowed to burn completely. The mean times to burn and the physical appearances before and after being set on fire were analyzed and compared in order to determine the most effective fire retardant. The time these cloths took to combust completely was measured and analyzed. The results of this experiment can be applied to the clothing industry in their search for a method of creating fire resistant clothing.

The results of the experiment found that the most effective retardant was the magnesium hydroxide solution. This was supported by the average burn time of 29.20 seconds, compared to the other means of 23.24, 25.72, and 25.96 seconds to burn completely. Through a descriptive analysis, it was further concluded that the magnesium hydroxide was the strongest fire retardant due to the fact that it delayed the spread of flames across the surface of the cloth for the longest amount of time.

Research Conducted By:

Nathan Coles
Sterling Heights High School

Derek Koki
Warren Mott High School

 

 

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