The effect of fire retardants on the fire response characteristics of cellulosic materials

The resistance to ignition of fire retardant-treated wood, cotton, and cellulose insulation was studied. The proprietary composition used to treat wood was found to increase resistance to ignition and to reduce smoke toxicity. Cotton treated with boric acid (added by padding on or by vapor phase process) was found to have increased resistance to ignition and decreased smoke toxicity. Boric acid increased the resistance of cellulose insulation to ignition but also slightly increased the smoke toxicity.