Fire Dangerous Properties of the Most Common Plantsof Grass Ecosystems in Ukraine

Abstract

The impact of grass fires on environment and grass ecosystems is mainly negative. Thefire hazard of herbaceous plants causes the occurrence and spread of fires in herbaceousecosystems. Various indicators, in particular the humidity of the combustible material, the self-ignition temperature, etc., can estimate it. These indicators depend on the type of plants and thenatural conditions that determine the properties of the combustible materials.The goal of theresearch is to determine the fire hazard indicators of five the most widespread herbaceous plants inUkrainian ecosystems (Festuca arundinacea, Festuca pratensis, Elymus repens, Phleum pretenseandTrifolium arvense) and to substantiate these indicators due to results of thermogravimetric analysisand values of absolute humidity and self-ignition temperature. Within 5 days, the absolutehumidity of the samples as well as the self-ignition temperature were determined by weightmethod and using the ОТР testing device. Complex thermal analysis of samples was also performusing a Q-1500D derivatograph. The results of the research show that absolute humidity and self-ignition temperature of certain types of plants specify differences in their fire-fighting properties.According to the results of complex thermal analysis for each plant species, three stages occur atdifferent temperatures: evaporation of free and bound water, self-ignition of samples andcombustion of carbonized residue. The maximum exothermic effect for each plant wascharacterized by different value of temperature, as well as ash residue, which impedes thecombustion process.