Reaction-to-fire properties of maritime composite materials

The use of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has increased, for applications in aircrafts, ships, railway- and automotive vehicles. The ability of FRPs to reduce the weight of the construction and still maintaining required mechanical properties is the background for the increased use. A weak point of these materials is, however, the fire safety.

Since they are combustible, they can burn, which involves a risk for personal safety and for the construction of the vehicle. The aim of this study was to gather open test data with focus on selected reaction to fire (RTF) properties and to find the state-of- the-art and the knowledge gaps for this specific field of research.

A limitation of the number of RTF properties studied was made by selecting two test methods, ISO 5660-1, the Cone calorimeter and ISO 5658 (IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 5), the spread of flame test. A selection of the open test data found was made, with a focus on materials used in lightweight ship constructions.

To be able to evaluate the data it was divided into the following generic groups: FRP laminates, FRP sandwich products, Core materials (for sandwich products), Coating on noncombustible board, and Special cases and applications.