Fire retardant wood is treated with mineral salts to enhance what property?

Fire retardant wood is treated with mineral salts to enhance what property?

• A. Fire resistance
• B. Mechanical strength
• C. Flexibility
• D. Water resistance

Answer: (A)

Mineral-salt treatments are used to boost fire resistance in wood. When the wood is heated, the salts break down to promote charring and form a protective barrier on the surface. This char layer insulates the wood, slows heat transfer, and slows or delays ignition and flame spread. The goal isn't to make the wood stronger or more flexible, and while some formulations can affect moisture behavior, the primary purpose is to enhance how long the wood resists burning. So the property being enhanced is fire resistance.