Thermal decomposition of composites in fire

摘要: The behaviour of composite materials in fire is governed largely by the chemical processes involved thermal decomposition polymer matrix and, if present, organic fibres. This chapter provides a description these mechanisms. kept at general level, and reader can refer to many excellent textbooks on for more information [1-5]. Following this, systems used composites described. A great number different polymers be composites, it would too exhaustive describe each type. Instead, nature thermoset thermoplastics most commonly are reviewed. will include thermosets: polyesters, vinyl esters, epoxies phenolics, thermoplastics: polypropylene (PP), poly ether ketone (PEEK) polyphenylene sulphide (PPS). fibres often composites; namely aramid UHMW polyethylene fibres, also discussed. other types that presently niche applications not reviewed, such as nylon 6,6 or PBO (Zylon®), still under development, M5 (poly(2,6-diimidazo[4,5-b:4',5'-e]pyridinylene-1,4-(2,5-dihydroxy)phenylene)). Finally, physical aspects degradation described, including char formation, delamination damage cracking.