Fire Tests of Preservative-Treated Wooden Packing Boxes Used for 105-mm Ammunition
Abstract
The report covers an investigation to compare the fire hazards of untreated and preservative-treated wooden packing boxes used for ammunition. Based on test results, it is concluded that: The water-repellent, wood- preservative treatment, specified in MIL-B-2427D for application to wooden packing boxes used for ammunition, does not increase the flammability of the wood. Boxes constructed of ponderosa pine constitute more of a fire hazard than boxes constructed of southern yellow pine. The fire hazard of the packing boxes is dependent upon the moisture content of the wood, and the water repellent part of the treatment may keep the wood drier, lighter in weight, and somewhat more flammable when subjected to intermittent rain showers. Flammability of the boxes is also affected by the amount of organic volatiles present, including the solvent of the preservative solution until it finally evaporates, which occurs at a rate dependent upon the temperature and amount of ventilation; however, during the treating process, the solvent of the preservative solution extracts some of the naturally occurring volatiles in the wood, thus lowering the fire hazard. The fire hazard of the preservative-treated packing boxes can be considerably reduced by applying an adequate thickness of fire-retardant paint coating to the exterior surfaces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0868118
Entities
People
- Leonard Teitell
- Norman Reich