The University of Queensland has a Fire Safety Laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment to perform testing on materials, products and systems. Testing services are provided on the basis that the data is donated to the Cladding Materials Library. The Fire Safety Engineering Research Group at The University of Queensland is a non-profit organisation leading fire safety engineering research and education in Australia.
Screening testing protocol service
The screening testing protocol aims at obtaining a characterisation of the chemical fingerprint (uniqueness) of the material through a chemical composition identification and characterisation of the thermal degradation.
A. Chemical composition identification based on:
A1. ATR-FTIR.
A2. EDXRF
B. Thermal decomposition identification using:
B1. TGA under non-oxidative conditions
B2. TGA under oxidative conditions
Commercial services of material identification (A) for samples are offered by a dedicated consulting brand at The University of Queensland, UQ Materials Performance. Please refer to them for a quotation on material identification services.
For cross-referencing purposes in the Cladding Materials Library and robust screening of materials, it is required thermal decomposition testing (B - TGA). These services are offered by the Fire Safety Engineering Research Group at The University of Queensland.
Detailed testing protocol service
The detailed testing protocol aims at obtaining a characterisation of the flammability of the material. As described in the framework, a detailed testing protocol includes:
A. Chemical composition identification using:
A1. ATR-FTIR.
A2. EDXRF
B. Thermal decomposition identification using:
B1. TGA under non-oxidative conditions: 1 test
B2. TGA under oxidative conditions: 1 test
C. Determination of Gross Heat of Combustion using the Bomb Calorimeter: 3 tests
D. Determination of Critical Heat Flux for Ignition using the Mass Loss Calorimeter: 5 tests
E. Determination of Burning Rate, Heat Release Rate and Effective Heat of Combustion under 35, 50, 60 kW/m2 using the Cone Calorimeter: 6 tests
F. Flame spread phenomenon in a horizontal and vertical orientation using the LIFT: 4 tests
For the purpose of continuously upgrading the Cladding Materials Library and supporting industry, the Fire Safety Engineering Research Group at The University of Queensland offers developing 'detailed testing protocol' on new cladding materials at consulting rates. The Fire Safety Engineering Research Group accepts undertaking these tests on the basis that the data will be donated to the Cladding Materials Library so that it can be publicly accessible online on this site. To request a quote for this service, please submit the form below.
There are other several laboratories in Australia that offer similar services.