Flame retarding cellulosic materials with sodium or potassium thiocyanate

摘要

A flame resistant cellulosic insulation material, method of treating loosefill cellulosic material and compositions for imparting flame resistance and flame and smolder resistance to such materials are disclosed utilizing thiocyanate compounds interstitially distributed throughout the cellulosic insulation material as a flame retardant. Sodium and potassium thiocyanate are used in extremely small quantities in insulation materials and impart flame resistance due to the hygroscopic migration of the compounds into the insulation material. The effectiveness of such small quantities of thiocyanate make possible the addition and retention of effective amounts of powdered smolder inhibitors such as boric acid, and sulfur.