Catalyzed Combustion of Carbon Fibers from Carbon Fiber-Resin Composites
Abstract
A Government-wide program was developed in response to the potential electrical hazards associated with carbon fiber release from carbon fiber composites used as structural materials for military aircraft. Fibers can be released during/after accidental burn or burn/blast scenarios where the composite epoxy ignites and is burnt off, leaving the base carbon fiber structure behind. Under these conditions, the major process for fiber gasification is the reaction of carbon and oxygen to form carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The rate of fiber oxidation can be enhanced considerably by the addition of metal catalysts to the fiber surface when the rate is not controlled by reactant oxygen diffusion. The work performed by the Chemistry Division of the Naval Research Laboratory involved the implementation and evaluation of metal additives to the composite epoxy resin for enhancing the gasification of carbon fibers, thereby reducing the amount of fibers left for release. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 22, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA098046
Entities
People
- D. Dominguez
- J. Ganjei
- J. Murday
- Jonathan Mackey
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory