Surface temperature measurements on burning materials using an infrared pyrometer: accounting for emissivity and reflection of external radiation

This paper demonstrates the successful use of an infrared pyrometer, operating in the 8–10 µm wavelength band, to measure the surface temperature of combustible specimens in a heat release calorimeter. The temperature histories of ten different materials were measured in the ICAL (intermediate scale calorimeter). The set of materials comprised four wood products, gypsum board, polyisocyanurate foam, PVC floor tile, PMMA and two non‐combustible boards. A small‐diameter bare thermocouple was installed on each specimen in order to determine an accurate temperature for comparison.