burn

Welcome to our list of things that burn! 🔥☀️🧨✨

Burning, also known as combustion, is a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen, releasing heat and light. This process typically involves a fuel (like wood, gasoline, or coal), oxygen, and an ignition source (like a spark or flame). During combustion, the molecules of the fuel react with oxygen in the air. This reaction releases energy in the form of heat and often light, resulting in a flame. The by-products of this reaction usually include gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor, along with other substances like ash or soot, depending on what is burning. The process of burning can vary significantly; it can be a controlled reaction used in engines, stoves, and furnaces for useful energy, or it can be uncontrolled, such as in wildfires, leading to destruction and pollution.

Here’s a gallery of things that burn, with a categorised descriptive list below:

Liquids

Flammable liquids are substances that can ignite and continue to burn in the presence of an ignition source. Here’s a comprehensive list of various liquids known for their flammability:

Gasoline: A primary fuel used in internal combustion engines.
Diesel Fuel: Used in diesel engines, trucks, and some cars.
Kerosene: Used as a fuel in lamps, heaters, and as a jet engine fuel.
Ethanol: Often mixed with gasoline or used in alcoholic beverages.
Acetone: Commonly used as a solvent and nail polish remover.
Turpentine: Used as a solvent and paint thinner.
Benzene: Used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, and rubber.
Toluene: A solvent found in paint thinners, nail polish, and adhesives.
Xylene: Used in the printing, rubber, and leather industries.
Lighter Fluid: Such as butane or naphtha, used in lighters and as a cleaning solvent.
Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol): Used as a disinfectant and cleaning agent.
Mineral Spirits: Petroleum distillates used as a paint thinner and solvent.
Naphtha: Used in industrial solvents and as a cleaning agent.
Heating Oil: Used in furnaces and boilers for heating buildings.
White Spirit: A petroleum-derived clear liquid used in painting and decorating.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK): A solvent used in the production of plastics and textiles.
Styrene: Used in the making of polystyrene plastics and resins.
Hydraulic Fluids: Some types are flammable and used in hydraulic applications.
Paint Thinners: Various solvents used to thin oil-based paints.
2-Stroke Engine Oil (when mixed with gasoline): Used in engines of certain motorcycles and outdoor equipment.
Lamp Oil: Paraffin or kerosene-based oils used in oil lamps.
Methanol: Used as a solvent, antifreeze, and fuel.
Diethyl Ether: A highly flammable solvent used in laboratories.
Vegetable Oils (when heated): Oils like canola, olive, or sunflower can ignite if overheated.
Perchloroethylene: Commonly used in dry cleaning.
Wood Preservatives: Some liquid preservatives are flammable.
Trichloroethylene: Used in degreasing and dry cleaning.
Creosote: Used as a wood preservative; flammable in liquid form.
Linseed Oil: Used as a wood finish; can spontaneously combust in certain conditions.
Motor Oils (when heated): Used in vehicle engines, flammable at high temperatures.
Fuel Oils: Various oils used in engines and heating systems.
Pine Oil: Used in cleaning products and as a solvent in the production of varnish.
Coal Tar: Used in roofing, paving, and as a base for paint.
Bitumen: Used in road surfacing and roofing; flammable when heated.
Paraffin Wax (when melted): Used in candles and various industrial applications.
Castor Oil (when heated): Used in lubricants, soaps, and brake fluids.
Camphor Oil: Used in medicinal products and as a plasticizer for nitrocellulose.
Citrus Oil Extracts (like Limonene): Used in cleaning products and as a solvent.
Propylene Glycol (when vaporized): Used in antifreeze, food, and cosmetic products.
Thinner for Oil-based Paints: A mixture of solvents used to thin paints.
Biodiesel: A renewable fuel made from vegetable oils or animal fats.
Aviation Fuel (Jet Fuel and Avgas): Specialized fuels for aircraft engines.
Ethyl Ether: Used in starting fluid for engines.
Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene: Used in some rocket engines.
Hydrazine: Used as a rocket fuel.
Cyclohexane: Used in chemical synthesis and as a solvent.
Eucalyptus Oil: High in eucalyptol, used in medicinal products.
Volatile Machine Shop Solvents: Like those used in parts washers and degreasing.
Barbecue and Stove Fuels: Liquid fuels used in outdoor cooking appliances.
Racing Fuels: Specialty high-performance fuels for racing vehicles.
High-proof Alcoholic Beverages (over 140 Proof): Spirits such as grain alcohol.
Fuel Additives: Various additives mixed with fuels to enhance performance.
Pine Oil: Used in cleaning products.
Oil-based Stains and Varnishes: Used in wood finishing.
Butyl Acetate: Used as a solvent in the production of lacquers and other products.

Gases

Gases that can burn, known as flammable or combustible gases, play crucial roles in various industries for energy, heating, and manufacturing, while also posing safety risks due to their combustible nature. Here’s a comprehensive list of such gases:

Methane (CH₄): The primary component of natural gas, used widely for heating and cooking.
Propane (C₃H₈): Commonly used in portable cooking equipment and heating appliances.
Butane (C₄H₁₀): Used in lighters and portable stoves.
Ethylene (C₂H₄): Employed in the chemical industry, particularly in plastic manufacturing.
Acetylene (C₂H₂): Widely used in welding due to its high flame temperature.
Hydrogen (H₂): Burns cleanly, producing only water; used in fuel cells and rocket fuel.
Ethane (C₂H₆): A component of natural gas, used as a fuel and in chemical production.
Isobutane (i-C₄H₁₀): Used as a refrigerant and in aerosol propellants.
Propylene (C₃H₆): Used as a fuel and a building block for various chemical products.
Methylamine (CH₅N): Used in the production of pesticides and solvents.
Ammonia (NH₃): Combustible under high pressure or in high concentrations.
Vinyl Chloride (C₂H₃Cl): Used to produce PVC; combustible.
Formaldehyde (CH₂O): Combustible and used in the production of resins and plastics.
Ethyl Chloride (C₂H₅Cl): A flammable gas used in the production of tetraethyl lead.
Methanol (CH₃OH): Also known as wood alcohol, can be used as a fuel.
Dimethyl Ether (CH₃OCH₃): Used as a non-toxic, renewable fuel.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): Highly toxic and combustible; produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.
Ethyl Mercaptan (C₂H₅SH): Added to natural gas as an odorant; flammable.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S): A toxic and flammable gas often associated with the smell of rotten eggs.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Combustible and commonly produced by burning fossil fuels.
1,3-Butadiene (C₄H₆): Used in the production of synthetic rubber; flammable.
Methyl Mercaptan (CH₄S): Used as an intermediate in the production of various chemicals; flammable.
Xylene (C₈H₁₀): Used as a solvent in the printing, rubber, and leather industries; flammable.
Toluene (C₇H₈): A solvent used in paint thinners, fingernail polish, and other products; flammable.
Styrene (C₈H₈): Used in the making of polystyrene plastics and resins; combustible.
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH): Alcohol found in alcoholic beverages; also used as a biofuel.
Silane (SiH₄): Used in the production of semiconductors and in the chemical industry; highly flammable.
Acetone (C₃H₆O): A solvent used in manufacturing and laboratory settings; flammable.
Methylene Chloride (CH₂Cl₂): Used as a solvent; emits flammable vapors.
Benzene (C₆H₆): Used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides; flammable.
Butylene (C₄H₈): Used in the production of gasoline and other chemicals; flammable.
Dichloroethane (C₂H₄Cl₂): Used in the production of vinyl chloride; flammable.
Diethyl Ether (C₄H₁₀O): A highly flammable solvent used in laboratories.
Propane-Butane Mixtures: Often used in camping fuel canisters.
Hexane (C₆H₁₄): Used as a solvent in various industrial applications; flammable.
Cyclohexane (C₆H₁₂): Used as a solvent and in chemical synthesis; flammable.
Neopentane (C₅H₁₂): Used in organic synthesis and as a fuel; flammable.
Pentane (C₅H₁₂): Used as a solvent and in the production of polystyrene foam; highly flammable.
Heptane (C₇H₁₆): Used as a solvent and in fuel; flammable.
Octane (C₈H₁₈): A component of gasoline; flammable.

Fabrics

Many fabrics, particularly those made from natural fibers or certain synthetic materials, can burn under the right conditions. It’s important to be aware of the flammability of these materials, especially in contexts where there is a risk of fire. Here’s a comprehensive list of fabrics that are known to be flammable:

Cotton: Burns easily and can ignite quickly, often used in clothing, bedding, and furnishings.
Linen: Made from flax fibers, linen is similar to cotton in its flammability.
Silk: A natural protein fiber that can burn but usually at a slower rate than cotton.
Wool: While it’s more resistant to flame than many other fibers, it can still burn under intense heat.
Rayon: A semi-synthetic fiber that can burn quickly.
Nylon: Melts and then burns; often used in clothing and carpets.
Polyester: Can ignite and burn but tends to melt and drip as well.
Acrylic: A synthetic polymer used in yarns and fabrics; can catch fire and burn rapidly.
Spandex (Lycra): A synthetic fiber known for its elasticity; burns and melts.
Viscose: A type of rayon, known for its silk-like feel, but flammable.
Polypropylene: Used in a variety of textiles; can melt and then burn.
Acetate: A semi-synthetic fiber that can burn rapidly.
Bamboo Fabric: Often marketed as eco-friendly, it can burn quickly depending on the processing.
Fleece: Made from polyester; it can melt and burn.
Chiffon: Often made from silk or synthetic fibers, it can catch fire easily.
Tulle: Used in garments like wedding dresses and veils; can be highly flammable.
Organza: Lightweight and sheer, often made from silk or synthetics, it can burn easily.
Georgette: Typically made from silk or polyester, prone to burning.
Velvet: Depending on its composition (silk, cotton, or synthetic), it can be flammable.
Satin: Can be made from silk, nylon, or polyester, with varying degrees of flammability.
Crepe: The flammability depends on whether it is made from silk or synthetic material.
Denim: Generally made from cotton, it can burn but may be slower to ignite due to its density.
Flannel: Often made from cotton or wool, and can catch fire.
Brocade: Typically woven from silk, it can burn easily.
Corduroy: Usually made from cotton or cotton-blend fabrics, it is flammable.
Canvas: Often made from cotton or linen, it can catch fire.
Muslin: A lightweight cotton fabric, prone to burning.
Gingham: Usually made from cotton, it can easily catch fire.
Lace: Depending on whether it is made from cotton or synthetic fibers, it can be flammable.
Suede: Made from leather, it can burn under high heat.
Leather: While it’s more resistant to fire than many fabrics, it can still burn under certain conditions.
Lyocell (Tencel): A form of rayon that can catch fire.
Mohair: Made from the hair of the Angora goat, it can burn.
Cashmere: Derived from cashmere goats, it can ignite and burn.
Alpaca Wool: Can burn, but like sheep’s wool, it is somewhat flame-resistant.
Modal: Another form of rayon, known for its softness and flammability.
Chenille: Can be made from cotton, acrylic, or rayon and is flammable.
Melamine (in fabric form): Used in some textiles, it can melt and burn.
Microfiber: Made from polyester or nylon, it can burn.
Olefin: A synthetic fiber that can melt and burn.
Tweed: Generally made from wool, it can burn but is relatively slow to ignite.
Angora: Made from the fur of Angora rabbits, it can be flammable.
Sherpa: A type of fabric made from polyester, acrylic, or cotton, it can be flammable.
Terrycloth: Usually made from cotton, it can easily catch fire.
Vinyl Fabric: Can melt and burn, used in various applications.
Fake Fur (Synthetic Fur): Made from synthetic fibers, it can be highly flammable.
Oilcloth: Made with a cotton base and a PVC coating, it can burn.
Elastane (in fabric blends): Often blended with other materials, it can contribute to the fabric’s flammability.

Substances

Here’s a list of substances, encompassing various chemical compounds and materials, that are known for their ability to burn:

Hydrocarbons: This class includes substances like gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and oils, commonly used as fuels.
Alcohols: Ethanol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, and other alcohols can burn readily.
Wood and Wood Products: Including timber, plywood, sawdust, and paper.
Natural Gases: Such as methane, propane, and butane, used in heating and cooking.
Cellulose: Found in plants and paper; it burns easily.
Coal: Used extensively as a fuel, especially in power plants.
Waxes: Such as paraffin wax, beeswax, and carnauba wax.
Fats and Oils: Cooking oils, grease, and animal fats can ignite if overheated.
Plastics: Many types, like polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC, are flammable.
Rubber: Both natural and synthetic rubber can burn under high heat.
Textiles and Fibers: Cotton, linen, silk, wool, and some synthetic fabrics.
Lacquers and Varnishes: Often contain flammable solvents.
Adhesives and Glues: Especially those solvent-based, can be flammable.
Paints and Thinners: Oil-based paints and thinners can ignite.
Acetone: Used as a solvent and in nail polish remover.
Ether: Diethyl ether is particularly flammable.
Turpentine: Commonly used as a paint thinner.
Ethylene Glycol: Found in antifreeze; flammable in certain conditions.
Tar: Used in roofing and paving; can catch fire at high temperatures.
Asphalt: Similar to tar, used in road construction.
Sawdust and Wood Shavings: Their fine particles make them quick to ignite.
Charcoal: Used in grilling and heating.
Bitumen: A form of petroleum used in construction; flammable.
Naphtha: A volatile petroleum distillate used as a solvent.
Magnesium: A metal that burns with a bright white flame.
Sulfur: Burns with a blue flame, producing sulfur dioxide.
Phosphorus: White phosphorus is highly reactive and ignites in air.
Hydrogen Gas: Highly flammable and burns with a nearly invisible flame.
Benzene: A component of gasoline and used as a solvent.
Toluene: Used in paint thinners and adhesive solvents.
Xylene: Found in paints and thinners.
Ethyl Ether: A highly flammable liquid used in laboratories.
Dust Accumulations (Industrial): Such as flour, sugar, and grain dust; can be explosive.
Flammable Aerosols: Contain propellants that are flammable.
Cotton Balls and Swabs: Can ignite quickly due to their loose structure.
Bamboo: Dry bamboo can burn rapidly.
Peat: Used as a fuel source; can smolder and burn.
Leather: Can burn under high heat.
Firelighters and Kindling: Used to start fires, made from flammable materials.
Explosives: Like gunpowder, dynamite, and nitroglycerin.
Grass and Hay: Particularly when dry, they can easily catch fire.
Thermite: A mixture of iron oxide and aluminum powder that burns at high temperatures.
Jute and Hemp: Natural fibers that can ignite.
Lithium Batteries: Can catch fire under certain conditions.

Everyday Objects

Many everyday objects, depending on their material composition and environmental conditions, can burn or catch fire. It’s important to be aware of these items, especially in terms of fire safety in homes and workplaces. Here’s a comprehensive list:

Paper Products: Including newspapers, books, napkins, and tissue papers.
Clothing: Especially those made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk.
Upholstered Furniture: Couches and chairs, particularly older models that may not be made with fire-resistant materials.
Curtains and Drapes: Can ignite quickly, especially if near a heat source.
Carpets and Rugs: Particularly those made from natural fibers.
Wooden Objects: Such as furniture, picture frames, and decorative items.
Plastic Items: Toys, containers, and utensils, which can melt and burn.
Rubber Goods: Including tires, hoses, and some types of shoes.
Electrical Appliances: Can catch fire due to malfunctions or overheating.
Electrical Cords and Chargers: Damaged or frayed cords can spark and ignite.
Mattresses and Bedding: Especially older ones not made with fire-resistant materials.
Kitchen Towels and Pot Holders: Can catch fire if left too close to a stove.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Items: Such as hairspray, nail polish remover, and other alcohol-based products.
Cleaning Supplies and Aerosols: Many contain flammable chemicals.
Trash: Accumulated garbage, especially with paper and plastics, can be a fire hazard.
Garden Waste: Dry leaves, grass clippings, and branches.
Paints and Thinners: Stored in cans, these are highly flammable.
Books and Magazines: Especially in large quantities, they can fuel a fire.
Insulation Materials: Some types used in buildings and appliances.
Air Filters and HVAC Equipment: Can accumulate dust and debris that may ignite.
Candles: A direct source of flame and can ignite nearby combustible materials.
Christmas Trees: Especially dry, live trees can catch fire easily.
Cardboard Boxes: Piles of stored cardboard can be a significant fire risk.
Oily Rags: Such as those used for wood staining or cleaning.
Food: Cooking oils and greases can ignite during cooking.
Matches and Lighters: Common ignition sources in households.
Cigarettes and Tobacco Products: Improperly extinguished smoking materials are a common cause of fires.
Fireworks: Even small consumer-grade fireworks can be a fire hazard.
Balloons: When in contact with heat sources or electrical fixtures, they can burst and ignite.
Gasoline, Kerosene, and Propane Containers: Even empty, the fumes can ignite.
Vehicle Fluids: Such as motor oil, brake fluid, and antifreeze.
Lawn Mowers and Other Gasoline-Powered Equipment: Particularly when improperly stored or maintained.
Barbecue Grills: Both gas and charcoal varieties pose fire risks.
Flammable Household Decor: Such as wreaths, dried flower arrangements, and certain types of wall art.
Stuffed Toys: Depending on the materials they are made of.
Batteries: Especially when damaged or improperly stored, they can overheat and catch fire.
Electronics: TVs, computers, and other devices can overheat or malfunction.
Lamp Shades: Especially if they are made of or lined with fabric.
Art Supplies: Certain types of glues, solvents, and mediums.
Hand Sanitizers: High alcohol content makes them flammable.
Dust Bunnies: Accumulations of dust can be surprisingly flammable.
Linens and Towels: Can catch fire in a dryer or when stored near heat sources.
Varnished Wood Products: The varnish coating can be flammable.
Portable Fuel Tanks: Used for boats, lawnmowers, etc.
Fertilizers and Garden Chemicals: Some formulations can be combustible.
Packaging Materials: Such as styrofoam, bubble wrap, and plastic film.
Grease and Grime Build-up: Particularly in kitchens around stoves and ovens.
Wicker Baskets and Furniture: Can ignite quickly if dry.
Toilet Paper and Paper Towels: Easily ignited and can fuel a fire.

🔥☀️🧨

We hope this list of things that burn was useful and that you found what you needed!

We did our best to cover all of the varied meanings of “burn” with our visual gallery of burning things and descriptive list. But if you feel there’s something we missed, please feel free to let us know and leave a comment.

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Things That Burn