A Study of Thermal Degradation and Fire Behaviour of Polymer Composites and Their Gaseous Emission Assessment

Abstract

The use of polymer composite materials in the aeronautics and automotive sectors has increased dramatically, and their fire behaviour has become a critical parameter in terms of fire safety. On this premise, it is critical to demonstrate that these composite materials constitute elements whose safety justifies a high level of confidence. This is based on their combustibility and the rate at which flammable and toxic gaseous species are emitted. Thus, strict fire safety regulations are enforced by the relevant authorities concerned because of their potential fire risk. This study analysed papers published between 1970 and 2021 that described the devices used to characterise the thermal behaviour of composite materials at various scales. The objective was to highlight the thermophysical phenomena, making it possible to accurately assess the flammability and thermal stability of polymer composite materials. The results of this research reveal that the small-scale facilities provide detailed understanding and mastery of the thermal reaction properties of the composites. While with the medium scale, the extended fire reaction parameters, which are the key indicators of the fire safety performance, can be determined. On a large scale, the tests were carried out using devices such as the NexGen burner recommended by the FAA. Therefore, with such assays, it is possible to assess the rates of thermal degradation as well as quantified pyrolysis gases. However, compared to other scales, there were very few works on a large scale. In addition, by focusing on the polluting nature of synthetic composite materials, there is also few research studies aimed at designing new polymer composite materials from biological sources.

Flame Retardant Coatings: Additives, Binders, and Fillers

“…The exposure of organic and inorganic compounds to heat causes their thermal degradation. Basically, a flame is formed when the thermal degradation of combustible materials is oxidative and is characterized by the generation and emission of heat and light [ 35 ]. The flame is the light emitted by the fire and serves as a visual indicator of the heat generated.…”

The Effect of Different Modifying Methods on Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Cellular Geopolymers as Thermal Insulation Materials for Building Structures

“…For example, for styrofoam, the polymer-based composites are especially well-suited as insulating materials in civil engineering due to their low density, low thermal conductivity and good sound insulation properties [1]. However, most polymer composites are subject to thermal decomposition at high temperatures, which leads to degradation of their structural integrity and the release of toxic or flammable gases into the atmosphere as a result of polymer decomposition [2]. In this aspect, ceramic materials [3] and their structural analogous produced from aluminosilicate materials [4,5], such as geopolymers [6,7], are considered to be more effective in terms of environmental friendliness and durability.…”

Investigation of the flame properties and fire behavior of carbon‐reinforced PEKK, BMI and phenolic composites impacted by Jet‐A1/air flames

“…There are many studies on the combustion behavior of kerosene flames at both small and medium scales, but there is still a need for research on the fire response properties of large oil burners (the criteria for defining the scales of thermal and fire facilities used for testing materials are based on the test conditions such as the generated maximum flame temperature, heat flux, etc., and the specimen dimension impinged by the flame), particularly with the specific burner type being considered. 19,20 This is important for gaining a deeper understanding of how these burners behave and identifying ways to optimize their performance (in terms of maximum flame temperature, heat flux, and gas emission concentration). 20 Aviation test standards have been the subject of in-depth investigations and analyses since they are essential to assuring the safety and dependability of airplanes.…”

“…19,20 This is important for gaining a deeper understanding of how these burners behave and identifying ways to optimize their performance (in terms of maximum flame temperature, heat flux, and gas emission concentration). 20 Aviation test standards have been the subject of in-depth investigations and analyses since they are essential to assuring the safety and dependability of airplanes. The need to provide precise principles and processes for testing aircraft systems, components, and materials has motivated the development of aviation test standards.…”

“…The purpose of this test bench is to provide a platform for studying and evaluating the fire resistance of materials under simulated accident conditions. 7,20,25 The gun-type burner is equipped with an air supply circuit that regulates the air at a pressure range of 2.15-4.5 bar. A manual valve is used to control the flow of air, which is first cooled down by a water exchanger and then passes through a frozen coil to ensure that its temperature is between 5 and 15 C before entering the burner (Cooling the air helps to improve the efficiency and performance of the burner).…”