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Why does linoleum resist combustion better than some floor materials?
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floor covering
Axminster carpet, late 18th or early 19th century.
Linoleum is a floor covering composed of a mixture of oxidized linseed oil, gums, resins, and fillers such as wood flour or ground cork.12
Its resistance to combustion is primarily due to the specific chemical composition and the manufacturing process used to create the material. During production, the mixture is applied to a backing and subjected to a lengthy hardening process in heated stoves, which creates a durable, resilient surface. Because of this composition and the way it is cured, linoleum does not readily support combustion, making it a safer choice compared to some other flooring materials.12