Flame retardancy and thermal degradation of wood treated with magnesium chloride (MgCl2 center dot 6H(2)O) were investigated. Results showed that MgCl2 center dot 6H(2)O decreased flame intensity and heat release rate, and reduced smoke concentration and gas yield. From ambient temperature to 250 degrees C, MgCl2 center dot 6H(2)O reduced wood combustibility by gas dilution mechanism. The chemical started to decompose at 350 degrees C and produced MgOHCl, in which -Cl and -Mg free radicals were generated and intervened the chain reactions of wood combustion. Hydrogen chloride gas generated pro...
