The Effect of Sterculia setigera Del. Bark Extract on the Flammability of Flexible Polyurethane Foam

Fire retardant properties of the bark extract of Sterculia setigera on flexible polyurethane foam were investigated. The foam was treated with different concentrations of the extract and its flammability characteristics were compared with that of untreated sample. The result indicated increase in Ignition Time and Percentage Char with the increase in concentration of the incorporated extract while the Flame Propagation and After-Glow Time of the treated foam decreased with increase in concentration of the extract in the foam. The result revealed that the extract can significantly reduce the flammability of flexible polyurethane foam and serve to substantiate the local use of the plant in fire prevention by Hausa tribe.