This service offers precise determination of the heat of combustion (also known as gross calorific value) of construction materials using a Bomb Calorimeter. The test is essential for evaluating the energy content of materials and their potential fire load contribution in the context of building safety and reaction to fire classification.
The Bomb Calorimeter method is a standardized and highly accurate technique that involves burning a small sample in a sealed, oxygen-rich chamber (the “bomb”) submerged in water. As the sample combusts, the heat released raises the temperature of the surrounding water, which is then used to calculate the total heat of combustion in kilojoules per gram (kJ/g).
This method is governed by EN ISO 1716, which is a critical standard for materials seeking Euroclass A1 or A2 classification under EN 13501-1. It specifically determines the gross heat of combustion (PCS) of all individual components of a construction product, including fillers, binders, adhesives, coatings, and insulation materials.
The test requires a finely ground powdered sample in dry form, typically around 1 gram, and the combustion is carried out under strictly controlled thermal and pressure conditions in an accredited laboratory environment.
Materials tested include:
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Insulation products
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Wall and ceiling panels
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Surface coatings and adhesives
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Bio-based and recycled construction materials
This method is particularly useful for:
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Determining fire classification eligibility (A1 or A2)
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Calculating total fire load in building simulations
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Benchmarking energy content of alternative construction materials
NTUA’s fire laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited and capable of performing high-precision calorimetry, including multiple sample repetitions to ensure accuracy and statistical reliability. Results are provided in a comprehensive report and can be used for certification dossiers, product development, and regulatory submissions.
