Abstract: A textile product with enhanced flame and/or smoke retardant properties and a method of forming the same is disclosed. The textile product is comprised of a textile material having a primary layer or backing with intumescent particles coated, sprayed, sprinkled, or otherwise applied to the upper surface thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the particles may be incorporated into the tufting primary or backing. The intumescent particles may also be complexed with additional agents, such as antimicrobial agents, softening agents, pliability agent, stain resistant agents, waterproofing agents, static resistance agents and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laminate having flame and chemical resistance, which may be used to form protective fabrics. The laminate contains a first layer of a spunlace fabric having a fire retardant additive applied thereto; and a second layer of a polymeric film.

Abstract: A flame retardant, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding gasket construction. The construction includes a resilient core member formed of a foamed elastomeric material, an electrically-conductive fabric member surrounding the outer surface of the core member, and a flame retardant layer coating at least a portion of the interior surface of the fabric member. The flame retardant layer is effective to afford the gasket construction with a flame class rating of V-0 under Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) Standard No. 94.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire-resistant composite panel having superior fire-resistance and impact-resistance, a low dimensional change, and good workability to form a curvature, and it also relates to a fire-resistant decorative composite panel using the same. The composite panel comprises a substrate layer formed by impregnating or coating a substrate material of a woven or nonwoven fabric of inorganic fiber, or a paper, with a resin compound that contains an inorganic filler having loess as a main component and a thermosetting resin, and a rear layer of an aluminum sheet or a galvanized steel plate.

Abstract: Improvements to an insulating cover for covering an opening in a torpedo car are disclosed. The insulating cover includes upper and lower wire mesh layers and an insulating layer positioned between the wire mesh layers. A support rod may be provided which extends beyond the ends of the upper and lower wire mesh layers. A pair of support rods in an “X” configuration may be provided which extend beyond the side edges of the upper and lower wire mesh layers. Tie devices secure the wire mesh layers together and hold the insulating layer in position. At least one ferromagnetic plate is provided, whereby each ferromagnetic plate provides a lift point for lifting the insulating cover, such as with an electromagnet or the like. Methods for constructing the embodiments of the insulating cover are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire stopping device includes a containment shell with a heat rupturable element and an intumescent filler material arranged in the containment shell. The containment shell is formed of a fire resistant material capable of containing the intumescent material after the rupturable element fails. In addition, the heat rupturable element is designed to fail at a force which is lower than the intumescent filler material expansion force. In this manner, when the intumescent filler material reaches its activation temperature, it expands with a force greater than the strength of the rupture element, thereby causing the rupture element to fail. Thus, expansion of the intumescent filler material takes place in a controlled manner via the rupture element.

Abstract: An inorganic fire-proof coating material can form a coat film to be transformed into a foamed layer demonstrating quite superior heat insulation ability by uniform foaming as subject to heat, such as that upon fire to prevent softening of the steel material coated by the coat film for a long period to be sufficiently practically applicable as a fire-proofing coat for steel frame structure or the like, and an inorganic fire-proof structure formed by coating the fire-proof coating material. The fire-proof coating material is consisted of an aqueous paste containing water soluble alkaline silicate in a content greater than or equal to 30 Wt % in components excluding water, holmite series mineral powder, and SiO2 supplying components other than water soluble alkaline silicate and holmite series mineral.

Abstract: Compositions for use as thermal insulation or barriers in articles that are required to function under transient elevated temperature conditions, such as are experienced during a fire. Articles in which compositions according to the invention may be used include electrical and optical cables which have fire resistant properties, electrical fittings such as terminals and cable clips, and void-filling compounds which are required to act as fire barriers. The invention provides a composition that is ductile or flexible at the elevated temperatures experienced during a fire and retains integrity so as to stay in place throughout the fire enabling it to continue to function as a thermal barrier.

Abstract: Flexible, fire resistant, layered reflecting and photoluminous material is provided which combines the advantages of a light reflective component and a luminescent component in a fire resistant structure which meets National Fire Protection Association standards for inclusion in firefighter's protective clothing. The material includes a first layer of microspherical glass bead or prismatic light reflective plastic material having an underlying surface formed with a plurality of minute prism-like formations projecting therefrom at regular spaced intervals and an overlying substantially smooth light transmissive surface; a second layer containing a homogeneous blend of a resin containing effective amounts of a fire retardant, photoluminescent and, optionally luminescent additives; and a third layer which is a fire retardant fabric. The layers are joined at a first region such that the prism-like formations are substantially disabled or destroyed.

Abstract: A firefighter garment including melamine high-heat and flame resistant fibers that have been stock dyed to obtain a desired shade or color. The stock dyed fiber is preferably blended with another fiber and the blend spun, by ring or core spinning, into a yarn for use in a protective fabric. Fabric produced by employing a blend of stock dyed melamine fibers and other high temperature fibers offers numerous cost and performance advantages. The elimination of the damage associated with the piece dyeing process allows the fabric to increase its strength and tear characteristics without affecting its thermal performance.

Abstract: Synthetic roofing products such as simulated slate and clay tile shingles, and other products, such as flower pots, floor coverings, plastic pallets and the like are compression molded from a mixture of ultra low density polyethylene binder and a filler which may comprise recycled rubber products such as E.D.P.M (ethylene propylene diene monomer) and S.B.R. (styrene butadiene rubber). Colorants may be added to the mixture prior to final molding. Many of the products, especially synthetic shingles, are less expensive, easier to handle, and more durable than the slate or clay tile shingle product simulated.

Abstract: A flame retardant suitable for use in mesh sheets comprising a polyolefin resin aqueous dispersion having a resin solid content of 25-75 wt %, 40 to 130 parts by weight of an ammonium polyphosphate compound based on 100 parts by weight of said polyolefin resin aqueous dispersion, and 60 to 150 parts by weight of a metal hydroxide based on 100 parts by weight of the solid content of said polyolefin resin aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: A thermally protective, flame retardant fabric includes a substrate treated with a combination of a flame retardant agent and an intumescent agent. The substrate includes non-thermoplastic fibers or a blend of non-thermoplastic fibers and thermoplastic fibers having a basis weight ranging from 2.0 to 15.0 ounces per square yard. The fabric has a contact thermal protective performance value of at least 4.5 and a contact thermal protective performance efficiency greater than 1.1. Applications of the fabric include protective garments, articles of furniture, vehicle components, building components, electrical components, decorative components, appliances, and containers.

Abstract: A thermal protection system (TPM) for protecting a surface subject to high thermal load comprising a fiber substrate where the substrate is composed of woven or non-woven layers of fibers laminated together, or the substrate is formed by a process of three-dimensional weaving, wherein the fiber substrate has a variable density of fibers, with said density of fibers increasing across the thickness of the TPM, and further wherein the substrate is needled and coupled to an insulation backing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flame retardant hot melt composition comprising from about 10% to about 60% by weight of the adhesive of at least one copolymer of ethylene, from about 10% to about 70% by weight of the adhesive of a flame retarding hydrated inorganic compound and from about 5% to about 35% by weight of at least one wax component.

Abstract: A fire-resistant composite substrate for use in making structural openings fire-resistant, the substrate containing: (a) elastically compressible particles; (b) at least one heat-activated expanding agent; (c) at least one heat-activated binder; and (d) a diisocyanate adhesive.

Abstract: Radiant heat reflective cell blanket (10) is formed with superposed support sheets (12 and 13) that form an array of cells thereover. A dead air space is maintained in each cell, and heat reflective sheets (20 and 21) are located within each cell. The reflective sheets (20 and 21) are adhesively connected to the upper and lower support sheets (12 and 13) to maintain a dead air space therebetween. The cells avoid the accumulation of dust, dirt, and fibrous material on the reflective surfaces of the blanket, thereby maintaining the reflectivity of the blanket, and the cells avoid outside contact by other objects that might reduce the reflectivity of the blanket.

Abstract: A fire resistant fabric material comprising a substrate having an ionic charge which is coated with a coating having essentially the same ionic charge. The coating consists essentially of a filler material comprising clay and a binder material. The substrate is preferably fiberglass, the filler material may further comprise at least one additional filler selected from the group consisting of decabromodiphenyloxide, antimony trioxide, fly ash, charged calcium carbonate, mica, glass microspheres and ceramic microspheres and mixtures thereof and the binder material is preferably acrylic latex.

Abstract: An insulation product contains a mixed layer of textile fibers and of natural fibers. A process for manufacturing the insulation product includes passing fibrous bundles of textile fibers and of natural fibers together through an apparatus that divides the textile fibers into segments and that mixes the textile fiber segments with the natural fibers. The bundles of natural fibers can be in the form of specially manufactured mats and/or can be production scraps. The resulting mixture of fibers is formed into a non-woven batt, mat, blanket, or board. The process provides a mixed fibers product, with an improved combination of thermal and acoustic insulation and adequate strength, at a low production cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire-resistant panel having superior fire-resistance and a low dimensional change, and it also relates to a fire-resistant decorative panel using the same. More specifically, a fire-resistant panel comprising: a) a substrate material of a woven or nonwoven fabric of inorganic fiber, or a paper; and b) a resin compound containing the following materials which are impregnated or coated onto the substrate material set forth in a): i) a thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of a phenol resin, a modified phenol resin, a modified phenol-urea resin, a melamine resin, a modified melamine resin, a modified melamine-urea resin, a urea resin, and a modified urea resin; and ii) loess is provided. The present invention also provides a fire-resistant decorative panel using the fire-resistant panel as a substrate material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to provided a textile film lamination for use as a wall covering and the like, comprising a fabric layer formed of fire retardant yarn filaments and having a face and back side, a thermoplastic cap film applied to the face of the fabric under heat and pressure, a fire retardant thermosetting or thermoplastic film adhesive on the back of the fabric wherein the fabric retains its fabric-like quality in appearance and tactile feel. The invention retains a weave like look and feel to the fabric while providing a protective clear film on the face surface of the fabric. The invention is suitable for use on wall surfaces in aircraft interiors, rail coach cars, buses, ships, hospitals, public office buildings, sports arenas, hotels, theaters, churches, seniors homes and schools where flammability of the covering material is crucial.

Abstract: Synthetic roofing products such as simulated slate and clay tile shingles, and other products, such as flower pots, floor coverings, plastic pallets and the like are compression molded from a mixture of ultra low density polyethylene binder and a filler which may comprise recycled rubber products such as E.D.P.M (ethylene propylene diene monomer) and S.B.R. (styrene butadiene rubber). Colorants may be added to the mixture prior to final molding. Many of the products, especially synthetic shingles, are less expensive, easier to handle, and more durable than the slate or clay tile shingle product simulated.

Abstract: A fire blocking material is disclosed comprising a nonwoven fabric including para-aramid fibers and pre-oxidized polyacrylonitrile, and optionally, a garnett of recycled polybenzimidazole, para-aramid or meta-aramid, or combinations thereof to form a fire blocking textile meeting Federal Aviation Administration regulation FAR 25.853 and Appendix F to Part 25.

Abstract: A protective structure for thermal insulation and impact resistance, and especially suited for bonded application to the exterior of aircraft including spacecraft to protect the craft from high temperatures generated by exhaust gases and by atmospheric re-entry. The structure includes either a single ceramic tile component with a cover component comprising a fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite encasing the tile component, or a plurality of ceramic tile components with a like single cover component encasing the plurality of tile components. Utilizing the structures as an external aircraft surface imparts a super hard exterior that functions to significantly prohibit impact and erosion damage while not compromising the desirable thermal insulation properties inherent to tile.

Abstract: A textile complex is provided including at least a fabric, a textile lap, made of inflammable material, designed to form the external surface of the complex, and a comfort and hygiene lining designed to form the complex internal surface. On the fabric internal surface and/or the lining external surface folds are provided having substantially the same orientation with respect to each other, fixed on the fabric and/or the lining, and defining between the fabric and the lining air-filled passages.

Abstract: A fabric for use in safety apparel and items of apparel formed substantially from modacrylic yarns and a cationic dye applied to the fabric so that the dyed fabric meets both the American National Standards Institute guidelines for high-visibility safety apparel and the guidelines of the American Society for Testing and Materials for flame resistant textiles.

Abstract: A fire-resistant laminated glass pane assembly comprises a glass-ceramic pane resistant to high temperatures and having rough light-diffusing surfaces, the said pane being joined, on each of its two faces, to a silicate glass pane by means of transparent intermediate layers having a refractive index corresponding to the refractive index of the glass and the glass-ceramic. Transparent intermediate plies consist of a thermoplastic polymer having a high splinter fixation effect, and the silicate glass panes consist of tempered float glass. Fire-retarding glasses of this type not only have a high fire-retarding effect, but also withstand the so-called extinguishing water test and, moreover, have safety glass properties with increased safety in respect of injuries caused by splinters.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, and an outer shell disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating a superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers, and is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix. In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer. In another contemplated embodiment, the the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer cover of the moisture absorber.

Abstract: The cigar and cigarette burn resistant gaming cloth table includes a layer of fire retardant treated knit fabric laminated to a thin sheet of aluminum and wherein the other side of the aluminum sheet is laminated to a layer of non-woven synthetic fabric. Preferably, the top layer knit fabric is laminated to the aluminum via a latex adhesive. The lower non-woven fabric is laminated to the aluminum sheet via latex adhesive. Preferably, the knit layer, prior to being laminated to the thin sheet of aluminum, is treated with a fire retardant and an oil and water repellant chemical composition. Most preferably, the fire retardant and oil and water repellant chemical composition is a phosphorus fluorocarbon. The method includes treating the knit polyester fabric with fire retardant chemical, laminating a thin sheet of aluminum between the knit fabric layer and a layer of non-woven synthetic fabric. Preferably, the lamination is accomplished with a latex adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-flammability shingle comprising at least one double-sidedly bituminized textile sheet material to whose surface has been applied a pulverulent or flaky flame protectant at least single-sidedly, and to roofs comprising these shingles.

Abstract: A protective sheathing is provided for use as a protective wrap about longitudinal objects such as cables, wires and bundles of wires in a wiring harness. The sheathing has at least two layers of a non-woven felt fabric. The two layers are bonded together at certain points between them, but not all points, with a hot melt net-like adhesive layer between the felt fabric layers. A layer of adhesive film or velcro is provided on an outside surface of one of the layers of non-woven felt fabric to secure the sheathing around the bundle of wires to be protected.

Abstract: The present invention is a fabric for use for protective clothing especially for use by workers in the metal industry. The fabric consists of a first yarn of descaled wool and a second yarn of flame resistant viscose. The yarn is woven in a twill weave with the first yarn being to a greater extent on the surface of the fabric and the second yarn being to a greater extent to the back of the fabric. The fabric is treated with a low smoke flame resistant finish. The fabric contains no cotton.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an object to attenuate thermal sensation when handling the object at non-body temperature, and an object fabricated in accord with the method. There is first provided a substrate which has a first surface subject to handling. There is then formed upon the first surface of the substrate a coating. The coating has an optimal density, an optimal thermal conductivity and an optimal thickness such that when the substrate having the coating formed thereupon is equilibrated at a non-body temperature differing from a body temperature and the coating is subsequently contacted with a body at the body temperature during handling, the temperature of the surface of the coating at a contact point of the body with the coating changes precipitously to a temperature near the body temperature and subsequently returns towards the non-body temperature at a rate which permits handling of the coating at the location of the first surface of the substrate by the body with attenuated thermal sensation.

Abstract: A flame retardant, intumescent pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) composition for EMI shielding gaskets, tapes, wraps, and the like. The composition is formulated as an admixture of: (a) a PSA component; (b) a halogenated first flame retardant component; (c) a metal-based second flame retardant component; and (d) a filler component of expandable, intercalated graphite particles. In a representative embodiment the PSA component (a) is acrylic-based, the halogenated first flame retardant component (b) is a polybrominated diphenyl compound such as decabromodiphenyl oxide or decabromodiphenyl ether, the metal oxide-based second flame retardant component (c) is antimony oxide, antimony trioxide, or antimony pentoxide, and the filler component (d) is graphite flake.

Abstract: A thermal interface material (A) transfers heat from a heat source (12), such as a microprocessor, to a heat sink (14) for maintaining the microprocessor at a safe operating temperature. The interface material includes thermally conductive filler particles dispersed in a phase change material. The phase change material softens and flows at the operating temperature of the heat source, thereby providing good thermal contact with uneven surfaces of the heat source and heat sink, without excessive exudation and loss of the interface material. The phase change material includes a polymer component, such as an elastomer, and a melting point component, which adjusts the softening temperature of the phase change material to the operating temperature of the heat source.

Abstract: A composition which is useful for producing profiles and cable insulation which retain their function in the event of fire, comprise peroxidically crosslinking or condensation-crosslinking silicone rubber, metal oxides selected from magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, tin oxide, calcium oxide and barium oxide and metal compounds of this class which produce oxides on heating, boric acid, zinc borate, and a platinum complex having at least one unsaturated group.

Abstract: A foam body structure formed of plastic foam with one or more flame retardant reception cavities formed in the main body either simultaneously with an initial foam body formation process such as expandable plastic bead molding or subsequent to the foam body formation such as by melting, drilling or cutting. A solid flame retardant such as one in granular form is preferably supplied in sufficient quantity as to entirely fill the volume defined by the reception cavities. A covering or coating is provided over the flame retardant material to fix the material within the cavities. The volume and distribution of the reception cavities and the amount of the chosen flame retardant received in the cavities is sufficient to provide an essentially common flame retardation quality or characteristic over the entire volume of foam body (or at least the volume that could be exposed to a flame in its intended use).

Abstract: A transparent heat-swellable material, a method for its preparation and fire-resistant glazing panels in which it is incorporated, are provided by a mixture of hydrated alkali metal silicate and an additive selected from polyalcohols and mono-or polysaccharides, in which the additive content is in the range of 5 to 22% by weight, the water content is in the range of 12 to 19.5% by weight, and the hydrated alkali metal silicate has a silicon oxide (SiO2): alkali metal oxide molar ratio greater than 3.3 to 1. Glazing panels including the said material offer thermal insulation of greater than 30 minutes, a barrier to flames and fumes for greater than 90 minutes and thermal radiation of less than 10 kW/m2, or even of less than 6 kW/m2, after 90 minutes.

Abstract: A soundproofing material made of nonwoven materials containing thermoplastic fibers for the acoustic frequency range of 100 to 5000 Hz is characterized in that the nonwoven material is permanently compacted to a specific flow resistance of RS=800-1400 Ns/m3 in two stages by a mechanical compaction process and a subsequent pressure/heat treatment.

Abstract: A microporous soundproofing material constituted of an expanded material formed through the step of impregnating a thermoplastic elastomer with an inert gas at a high pressure and then decompressing the impregnated elastomer. The soundproofing material has a high characteristic impedance, is clean and lightweight, and has excellent flexibility. This microporous soundproofing material includes: a microporous soundproofing material which is constituted of an expanded material formed through the step of impregnating an unexpanded molding comprising a thermoplastic elastomer with an inert gas at a high pressure and then decompressing the impregnated molding; and a microporous soundproofing material which is constituted of an expanded material formed by impregnating a molten thermoplastic elastomer with an inert gas at a high pressure and then subjecting the impregnated elastomer to molding simultaneously with decompression.

Abstract: The invention provides a multilayer intumescent mat or sheet that is useful as a mounting for a pollution control device or as a firestop. In one aspect, the multilayer intumescent sheet of the invention comprises a non-moldable flexible non-intumescent layer and a non-moldable flexible intumescent layer comprising an intumescent material wherein the layers form a single sheet without the use of auxiliary bonding means. In another aspect, the multilayer intumescent sheet of the invention comprises a first non-moldable intumescent layer comprising a first intumescent material and a second non-moldable intumescent layer comprising a second intumescent material, the first and second intumescent materials being different, wherein the layers form a single sheet without the use of auxiliary bonding means. The invention also provides a pollution control device comprising a multilayer sheet of the invention disposed between a monolith and a housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to dyed melamine fabrics and methods for dyeing melamine fabrics. In one arrangement, the fabrics comprise a plurality of melamine fibers, wherein the flame resistant fabric has been dyed through a beam dyeing process in which the fabric has not been mechanically agitated. In one arrangement, the methods comprise the steps of wrapping melamine fabric around a perforated beam of a beam dyeing machine such that several layers of fabric surround the beam, injecting dyebath into the beam so that it penetrates the fabric layers, and circulating the dyebath through the fabric layers until the fabric is dyed to a desired shade.

Abstract: An insulation blanket is disclosed that contains fire-blocking materials for preventing rapid penetration of fire into an aircraft fuselage in case of a fire outside the aircraft. The insulation blanket contains at least one layer of fiberglass or other thermal-acoustic insulation material without fire-blocking properties, and one or more layers of fire-blocking material. The fire blocking material is wider than the thermal-acoustic insulation so that it may be folded against and attached to adjacent structural frame members of the fuselage. In the alternative, a thermal-acoustic insulation material is used that has fire-blocking properties instead of the separate layers of fire-blocking and thermal-acoustic insulation materials. A method for installing insulation blankets according to the present invention is disclosed, whereby a fire-blocking insulation portion of the blanket is folded against and attached to frame members of the aircraft using attachment posts or spring clips.

Abstract: Intumescent laminate with high heat transfer resistance composed of a glass-fiber web or glass-fiber fabric each of which has been coated with a four-component intumescent composition comprising a) a phosphate compound, b) a melamine compound, c) a polyol and d) an inorganic framework-forming compound.

Abstract: A fire-resistant glazing assembly comprises two glass sheets (1, 2) connected together along their edges by a spacer (3) and a water-containing interlayer (4) between the two panes (1, 2). The spacer (3) is made of silicone rubber. A bead (6) of a heat-activated foaming material is advantageously placed between the spacer (3) and the adhesive sealing material (7) serving to provide the peripheral seal.

Abstract: In a thermal shield for components made of thermoplastics, for the automotive industry in particular, an aluminium layer 2 is connected with the component to be protected, which serves as a carrier 1 for the thermal shield H, by means of a thermoplastic coating 3 in the region of the heat source. It is recommended to dispose the thermal shield H not only in the immediate region of heat source 4, but also, on the component, in the area up to a lateral spacing B from the heat source that the aluminium layer 2 may dissipate heat outwardly, i.e. outwardly from the region of thermal shield 4 to a cooler region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flame-retardant or nonflammable decorative sheet which is a one-piece laminate of the following materials: one layer or two or more layers of a sheet material for a core layer, obtained by impregnating a base sheet material made of an inorganic fiber, with a composition comprising a phenolic resin and/or a melamine resin and aluminum hydroxide and/or magnesium hydroxide, the proportions of the former and the latter in the composition being 4-15% by weight and 96-85% by weight, respectively, and a sheet material for a decorative layer, placed on at least one side of the sheet material for the core layer. When the sheet material for the core layer consists of two or more layers, there can be interposed, between the layers of the sheet material for the core layer, a sheet material for a reinforcing layer obtained by impregnating a base sheet material made of an inorganic fiber, with a thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A flame-retardant adhesive film comprises an insulating substrate film, a flame-retardant interlayer provided on the insulating substrate film, and a flame-retardant adhesive layer provided on the flame-retardant interlayer. The flame-retardant interlayer has higher flame retardance than the flame-retardant adhesive layer. The flame-retardant adhesive layer contains a nitrogen-containing organic flame retardant, and the flame-retardant interlayer contains a non-halogen-based flame retardant with better flame retardance than the nitrogen-containing organic flame retardant.

Abstract: A transparent substrate and a method of producing the same suitable especially for an optical system for an optical data recording medium using a linearly polarized light as a data reading light such as magneto-optical recording medium drive unit and an optical data recording medium for reading data using a linearly polarized light.

Abstract: In accordance with the foregoing principles and objects of the invention, the mitigation of fires in machinery enclosures is achieved by strategic placement of thin narrow strips of intumescent material within the ventilated space between the machinery and a housing enclosing the machinery, whereby, in the event of a fire, the resulting flame contacts the intumescent material causing it to swell and to effectively block air flow through the ventilated space.