The objective of this Major Qualifying Project was to determine the thermal limit of a polycarbonate facemask material used by firefighters and compare it to an alternative high temperature resistant material, polyethersulfone. A series of tests were conducted at the product level on polycarbonate and polyethersulfone samples by exposing both materials to a radiant heat source. It was shown that the coatings that were applied onto the materials significantly improved the heat deflection properties. The results of the tests were compiled and presented to the National Fire Protection Association 1981, Standard for Open Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Use in Emergency Services, Technical Committee.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Jackson, Barbara A.
• Belmontes, Ricardo Adrian

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042912-235601

Advisor

• Notarianni, Kathy Ann

Year

• 2012

Date created

• 2012-04-29

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright