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Author
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Topic: Fire-resistant paper used during Apollo
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NAAmodel#240
Member Posts: 312
From: Boston, Mass.
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 05-26-2013 07:32 PM
   
After the fire in January 1967 NASA redoubled efforts to eliminate items that would support combustion in the spacecraft. Since there were lots of checklists, maps, and reference materials made of paper did the space agency ever switch to flame retardant paper? |
davidcwagner
Member Posts: 798
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 05-27-2013 08:45 PM
Excellent question.I have several flown checklist pages and maps. The maps appear to be plastic (Teflon?). The checklist pages feel like thin paper. Have not tested any with a match yet. |
MadSci
Member Posts: 226
From: Maryland, USA
Registered: Oct 2008
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posted 05-28-2013 03:02 AM
I seem to recall that the paper was treated to make it fire resistant. Can't recall the reference right now, but I believe that was the case. |
Obviousman
Member Posts: 438
From: NSW, Australia
Registered: May 2005
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posted 06-01-2013 12:51 AM
It's probably Tyvek. We still use it for flight reference cards today. |
cosmos-walter
Member Posts: 691
From: Salzburg, Austria
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted 06-02-2013 11:52 AM
Matthew I. Radnofsky from NASA Manned Spacecraft Center wrote an article (PDF) in Aviation Bulletin No. 388 in August 1971: NONFLAMMABLE PAPERA cellulosic material, developed by the Scheufelen Paper Company of Germany and processed primarily as a paper, carbonizes in the presence of a flame but does not propagate the flame. This nonflammable characteristic is evident in both air and oxygen-enriched atmospheres. This paper lends itself well to printing and, with some minor exceptions, has physical properties that are comparable to conventional paper. This paper can be processed into a continuous roll of 0.5-inch-thick foam, similar to papier-mache. When placed on a ceiling, for example, the foam has both the appearance and function of conventional acoustic tile and offers the additional advantage of nonflammability. In addition to the paper, a process called Laminite which treats cellulose-base fiberboard with ammonium aluminum sulfate has been evolved. The resultant material is minimally flammable in oxygen and nonflammable in air. It can be formed wet, coated, cemented, and Joined like a composite; yet it is lightweight and inexpensive. This nonflammable paper from Scheufelen paper company was used during Apollo flights. For Space Shuttle and ISS there was no need for a nonflammable paper, since they did not use pure oxygen atmosphere any more. |
idrvball
Member Posts: 150
From: Burke, VA USA
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 06-02-2013 07:35 PM
Here are some items I have found in my files relating to the Apollo Flame Resistant Paper. The first photos is a letter written in 1971 from Papierfabrik Scheufelen to Hans Mueller mentioning the flame resistant paper they developed. There is also a small booklet published by Papierfabrik Scheufelen in I believe 1970. The second photo shows the cover the next photo shows the inside with the fabrics, and the last photo shows the back cover. |
holcombeyates
Member Posts: 243
From: UK
Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 01-05-2018 12:38 PM
Can anyone provide info on the type of paper developed and used for preparing copies of flown cue cards and checklists for Apollo flights mindful of flammability constraints. Were any changes made after the Apollo 1 fire? Thanks. Editor's note: Threads merged. |
rgarner
Member Posts: 1193
From: Shepperton, United Kingdom
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 01-05-2018 12:40 PM
I have a few flown checklists in my collection and from observation the Gemini checklist (GT5) is made from a thick cardstock, the Apollo checklists I have (AP9) are made from a much thinner card, with the covers being slightly thicker. None seem flame resistant to me. |
neo1022
Member Posts: 281
From: Santa Monica, CA
Registered: Jun 2013
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posted 01-08-2018 11:33 PM
Maps and star charts were printed on a film-like material called chronopaque, developed by DuPont. Google it for more more info. |
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