Need Help Finding Data Concerning the Pyrolysis and Smouldering of Materials

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the combustion temperatures of various materials, specifically pyrolysis, smouldering, and flaming temperatures. Key data includes: Wood/Paper with pyrolysis at 233°C, smouldering at 382°C, and flaming at 590°C; Polyethylene with pyrolysis at 210°C and smouldering at 349°C; and Anthracite Coal with pyrolysis at 450°C, smouldering at 700°C, and flaming at 950°C. The accuracy of the coal temperature data is questioned, particularly regarding the appearance of coal at high temperatures. The need for more comprehensive data on combustion temperatures is emphasized.

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Prince Rilian
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I am having a bit of trouble finding data about the various combustion temperatures (pyrolysis, smouldering, and flaming) temperatures of everyday materials.

Here is the data I have collected so far (forgive me if anything is wrong):
*Wood/Paper (C6H10O5)x: Pyrolysis Temperature is 233°C (451°F), Smouldering Temperature is ≈382°C (≈720°F), and Flaming Temperature is ≈590°C (≈1000°F).
*Polyethylene (CH2)x: Melting Temperature is ≈120°C (≈248°F), Pyrolysis Temperature is 210°C (410°F), and Smouldering Temperature is 349°C (660°F).
*Coal (C), Anthracite Variety: Pyrolysis Temperature is ≈450°C (≈842°F), Smouldering Temperature is ≈700°C (≈1300°F), and Flaming Temperature is ≈950°C (≈1,740°F).

That last piece of data (coal combustion temperatures) doesn't seem to be quite right, as blackbody-radiation objects (such as coal) are brightly white-hot at 950°C, and I have never seen white-hot coal before.

I am kind of amazed that more data has not been collected on this subject, as human beings have been using fire ever since we...well, ever were human. Grant it, the measurement of exact temperatures only began in the 1600's, but still, humans use fire every day in some form, so I would think that more data would be available!
 
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Yes, you're right. I got my scales mixed up. 1,740°C would be white-hot, but not 1740°F (950°C).

And for your information, I have already visited the website that you mentioned about a week ago! (Although it is nonetheless useful information.)