ABSTRACT

Fires can spread quickly, doubling their size in seconds and raging out of control in less than 30 seconds. Products that could be exposed to heat or flames should be made of fireproof, fire-resistant, or self-extinguishing materials. Special-purpose fabrics such as the well-known Nomex, which was first marketed in 1967, protect race car drivers and firefighters from exposure to high temperatures and flames. In extreme situations, such as a forest fire, firefighters can dig into the ground and cover themselves with a fire blanket. In fact, electrical failures and malfunctions have become significant causes of fires in homes and other environments. In 2017, several Samsung Galaxy Note 7 batteries caught fire and/or exploded due to manufacturing problems, including the use of irregularly sized batteries that caused overheating. Many countries require products to be tested for fire safety before they can be marketed.