Combustion and Explosion Related Properties of Carbon Nanofibers

Due to the rapid growth of nanomaterial research, development and application, requisite attention must be focused on the safety performance of these materials. However, current knowledge, especially data regarding the combustion and explosive properties of nanomaterials, is scarce. To fill this gap, several commercially available carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were selected as nanomaterial representatives and tests were performed to identify their combustion and explosion related properties. These tests measured their maximum pressure (P_max), deflagration index (K_St), minimum ignition energy (MIE), minimum explosive concentrations (MECs) and observed reaction onset temperatures with air. Based on these experimental findings, suggestions on safe treatment and application of CNFs were provided. In addition, a comparison of experimental deflagration index and maximum pressure and the predictions by previous models is demonstrated.