Smoke optical density and transmittance of a polyurethane foam surface treated with aluminum and mineral felt

The concept of smoke optical density holds great importance from multiple perspectives. Specifically, alterations in visibility during a fire could impact individuals' ability to evacuate. It is also crucial during a firefighter intervention. Our study involved measuring the smoke optical density of three insulating materials commonly used in construction: polyurethane foam (PU), polyurethane foam treated with aluminum surface (PUAF), and polyurethane foam treated with mineral felt surface (PUMW). The measurement was conducted in a state that is not capable of catching fire, while we were dealing with radiation fluxes of 25 kW m⁻² and 50 kW m⁻². We observed and measured the smoke's optical density at specific intervals, including the time it took to reach a particular optical density level. We also recorded the optical density after 4 and 10 min, as well as the area under the optical density curve during the initial 4 min of labeling. According to the results, the PUAF material is the most beneficial thermal insulator due to its high light transmission and low Ds_max.