Addressing poor fire performance of composite materials in transport

Project leader

Professor AM Robinson

Dates

February 2011 to January 2015

Project staff

Professor AG Gibson

Sponsors

Commission of the European Communities

Partners

EADS Deutschland – Innovation Works

Bombardier Transportation

Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft

Gemanischer Lloyd

Advanced Composites Group

Amorim Cork Composites

Transfurans Chemicals

AP&M Exportação

APC Composite

Description

For many applications, one of the biggest factors currently preventing the more widespread use of lightweight high-performance polymer matrix composites is their poor fire performance.

This is due to the organic matrix resins, which first soften on heating, causing a loss of mechanical properties. At higher temperatures they decompose.

Decomposition results in the production of smoke and toxic or flammable decomposition products.

These products are not only hazardous in terms of lack of visibility and toxicity. They can also burn, releasing heat, which can lead to flame spread and exacerbate the fire.

Furthermore, loaded composite structures often collapse in a fire within a period of minutes. This depends on the magnitude of the load and heat flux.