Project objectives: complete testing of fire-resistance and strength characteristics of paper and paperboard treated with Arnox fire retardant, develop production scale application methods. Arnox is a patented condensed phase system, low smoke fire retardant renders paper and paperboard essentially non-combustible. Decomposition and outgassing is materially slowed. Astm tests demonstrate treated paperboard with zero flamespread and smoke. Arnox is ph7, non-toxic, non-allergenic, colorless, odorless. Paperboards may be in-line or retro-treated. In the laboratory, arnox treated paperboards demonstrably suffer less structural degradation than presently available paperboards and may be made water as well as fire resistant. Arnox treated board measures 60 on LOI tests (vs. LOI 17 on untreated board). Achievement of volume availability of materials with the demonstrated properties requires both chemical and application development work, which is the objective of this grant.
