Bench-scale fire stability testing – Assessment of protective systems on carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tabaka, Weronika; Timme, Sebastian; Lauterbach, Tobias; Medina, Lilian; Berglund, Lars A.; Carosio, Federico; Duquesne, Sophie; Schartel, Bernhard
• Is Part Of: Polymer testing. Volume 102(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Fire stability -- Bench-scale fire resistance testing -- Carbon fibre reinforced polymer -- Protective coatings; Polymers -- Testing -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Tests -- Périodiques; 620.1920287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2021.107340
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9418

Abstract

Abstract: Fire resistance testing of components made of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) usually demands intermediate-scale or full-scale testing. A bench-scale test is presented as a practicable and efficient method to assess how different fire protective systems improve the structural integrity of CFRPs during fire. The direct flame of a fully developed fire was applied to one side of the CFRP specimen, which was simultaneously loaded with compressive force. Three different approaches (film, non-woven, and coatings) were applied: paper with a thickness in the range of μm consisting of cellulose nanofibre (CNF)/clay nanocomposite, nonwoven mats with thickness in the range of cm and intumescent coatings with a thickness in the range of mm. The uncoated specimen failed after just 17 s. Protection by these systems provides fire stability, as they multiply the time to failure by as much as up to 43 times. The reduced heating rates of the protected specimens demonstrate the reduced heat penetration, indicating the coatings' excellent heat shielding properties. Bench-scale fire stability testing is shown to be suitable tool to identify, compare and assess different approaches to fire protection. Highlights: A bench-scale fire stability test for fibre reinforced composites is presented. Direct flame at one side of the composites simultaneously loaded with compressive force. Proof of principle via three different interesting sets of protective systems tested.