20 Jun Is Magnesium Oxide Board Flammable?
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Peace of mind goes a long way, especially when it comes to building materials. Are you currently building or rebuilding? Are you curious about the flammability of MgO boards? Understanding their fire performance can significantly impact your project’s safety. Let’s explore the facts!
Will MgO boards catch fire?
The straight-up answer is NO! MgO boards are one of the hardest and sturdiest materials out there! They contain magnesium oxide or, in other words, mineral cement. Like any other type of mineral, magnesium oxide does not burn.
As a matter of fact, if a mineral is “caught” in a fire, you can expect it to survive that fire without any issues. So, MgO boards cannot catch fire due to their specific composition. Burning is also a process that requires oxygen, and magnesium oxide is not reactive to oxygen.
Fire Resistance Ratings
Understanding the fire resistance ratings of MgO boards is vital. Fire resistance refers to how long MgO boards can withstand fire without losing structural integrity. These boards’ ratings can range from 1 to 4 hours, which means that they can hold up flames for that duration.
It depends on their thickness and the application, whether they will last an hour or three. Their fire ratings are pretty impressive, don’t you think? They make them a reliable choice for areas where fire safety is a big concern.
Testing Standards and Certifications
Hold on, just because something says ‘non-flammable’ doesn’t mean it won’t burn at all, right? Please don’t take my word for it! It’s always good to check the details. Thankfully, there are testing standards and certifications! MgO boards are rigorously tested to confirm their fire resistance.
For example, they might be tested according to ASTM E119. You must be thinking, what is that? It is a standard that checks how long building materials can resist fire. These standard test methods include heating a certain material to a set plan to see how it holds up. Most MgO manufacturers test their boards to establish the fire resistance rating.
ASTM 119 is an American standard, while in Europe, they use EN 13501-1. These certifications mean you can trust that the MgO boards will perform well in a fire.
Important Points about MgO Boards’ Fire Resistance
MgO boards have many advantages due to their organic composition. Some of those include thermal insulation, structural integrity, and others.
Thermal Insulation
Compared to other materials, MgO boards also act as good thermal insulators. For example, they are better insulators than bricks or concrete boards. Why? MgO boards offer better thermal resistance.
This means they help stop heat from spreading. In case of a fire, that is crucial because it gives people more time to evacuate.
Structural Integrity
Not only will MgO boards not burn, but they will also resist the fire! Even when exposed to high temperatures, MgO boards stay strong. They do not buckle or collapse like some materials. So, during a fire, MgO boards help keep a building’s structure intact.
The answer lies in their high flexural strength. This fancy word implies that MgO boards are not easily bendable. Compared to other materials, like drywall, they will not sag! On top of that, they have impact resistance. They can withstand a lot of impact without cracking or breaking.
No Toxicity
MgO boards do not emit toxic gases. You know how they say, where there is smoke, there is fire! In the case of MgO boards, there can be fire, but no toxic gases and a little smoke! Unlike plywood or gypsum drywall, MgO boards do produce harmful gases.
For example, plywood contains various adhesives and chemicals,. When exposed to fire they turn into toxic fumes. Contrary to plywood, MgO boards reduce smoke inhalation risk.
Low Smoke Producers
Did you know that smoke kills more people in home fires than flames? Another great feature of MgO boards is that they do not produce much smoke. It again comes down to their composition, which does not burn or decompose into smoke.
Smoke also affects visibility during fire and can hinder evacuation. With MgO, you will not have these issues! MgO boards allow an easier evacuation process. There’s less smoke, less cracking, and less panic!
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Best Application for Non-Flammable MgO Boards
Fire resistance is one of the greatest advantages of Mgo boards (they have many others). This means they are versatile because of their non-flammable nature. It makes them ideal for a wide range of applications where fire resistance is critical.
Some of those include high-rise, commercial, public, and residential buildings and industrial facilities.
Did you know that the main cause of fires is cooking equipment? In other words, it can happen anywhere! High-rise buildings, in particular, need strict fire safety measures. The main reason is to prevent fires from spreading through many floors.
Industrial sites often involve flammable materials and high-risk activities. So, MgO boards enhance the general fire resistance, protecting property and personnel.
Non-Flammable MgO Boards: Health and Environmental Benefits
MgO Boards are environmentally friendly compared to some traditional building materials. Their non-toxic feature is thanks to their composition, which prevents igniting.
MgO boards do not emit toxic gases because of the minimal chemical usage. The production of MgO boards involves minimal to no use of harmful binders.
Additionally, you can recycle or repurpose them at the end of their lifespan. The cheaper alternative is gypsum drywall, but it contains volatile organic compounds.
These affect people caught in the fire, but they also have a negative impact on the environment.
Non-Flammable MgO Boards: Real-World Application and Results
In 2014, Los Angeles hotel experienced a fire during its construction phase. Welder’s torch caused the fire, igniting nearby construction material. The blaze was significant and required a large firefighting effort to control.
There were no serious injuries, and the firefighters contained the fire. The incident underscored the importance of rigorous fire safety protocols even during construction. Construction professionals used MgO boards for the internal walls, ceilings, and other components.
Before installation, MgO boards underwent rigorous testing. This included exposure to extreme temperatures and simulated fire conditions. MgO boards maintained structural integrity and prevented the spread of fire.
Conclusion
To sum up, MgO boards are non-flammable! Keep in mind that nothing is fully immune to fire, but MgO boards can take up to four hours of scorching flames! This makes them one of the best choices for building, especially if you have fire safety concerns.
So far, I have mentioned the important benefits and advantages of MgO Boards. I also showed some important points about their fire-proof feature. I included the best application, environmental benefits, and a case study!