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From coal to cotton: Which everyday materials are most susceptible to spontaneous combustion? Can you imagine?
Autoignition is a self-heating combustion reaction that often occurs when materials are improperly stored. Many everyday materials, such as coal, cotton, straw, etc., may spontaneously ignite under certain conditions, and there are many scientific principles and potential risks behind this phenomenon. Understanding which materials are prone to spontaneous combustion and how to store them properly is critical to preventing the occurrence of fires.
The process of spontaneous combustion may be a thermal runaway reaction caused by self-heating, coupled with the presence of oxygen.
Causes and triggering mechanisms of spontaneous combustion
Spontaneous combustion usually occurs in some easily oxidized substances. When these substances are exposed to the action of moisture and air, they begin to release heat. This phenomenon can generate heat through the putrefaction process of microorganisms, which can trigger thermal runaway and ultimately lead to spontaneous combustion. Most oxidation reactions are accelerated at high temperatures, so substances stored in high-temperature environments are more likely to spontaneously ignite.
Affected materials
Confirmed materials
Straw and compost piles may spontaneously ignite due to microbial fermentation, and cloth soaked in gasoline or paint may also catch fire due to rapid oxidation.
Coal will also spontaneously ignite after contact with oxygen in an environment lacking ventilation. Additionally, pistachios and animal manure piles may spontaneously ignite under extreme heat conditions. Cotton and linen may also ignite spontaneously if they come into contact with polyunsaturated vegetable oils.
Straw
Straw is a common self-igniting material. When its moisture content exceeds 25%, the risk of spontaneous combustion increases significantly. This phenomenon is often associated with microbial activity, causing the straw to release ethanol and initiate combustion under a suitable ignition source.
Charcoal and coal
Newly made charcoal may also spontaneously ignite under certain conditions. Spontaneous combustion of coal mainly occurs when improperly stored, and good ventilation must be maintained to reduce the risk. Freshly mined coal is more prone to self-heating, and the presence of moisture further exacerbates this process.
Cotton
Cotton is also prone to spontaneous combustion during storage. Different types of cotton have different autothermal oxidation temperatures under different heating rates and pressures. Maritime accidents such as the Earl of Eldon ship fire in the Indian Ocean in 1834 were caused by the spontaneous combustion of cotton.
Oilseeds and by-products
Oilseeds will self-heat when exposed to excessive moisture, which is more common when storing chrysanthemum, linseed and other oilseeds. Fabrics soaked in linseed oil are also a fire hazard if stored improperly.
Prediction and Prevention
To prevent spontaneous combustion, it is recommended to avoid long-term storage of materials and to control conditions such as ventilation, moisture and pressure balance. Through these methods, the risk of spontaneous combustion can be reduced. In addition, for materials such as coal, the use of certain physical or chemical materials can also prevent the occurrence of spontaneous combustion.
Good storage conditions and regular inspections are important measures to prevent spontaneous combustion accidents.
The scientific principles of spontaneous combustion tell us that proper storage and attention to environmental factors are the keys to reducing the risk of fire. Have you ever wondered what other materials in your daily life might spontaneously ignite?
