The Effects of Alumina Trihydrate on the Flammability Characteristics of Polyester, Vinyl Ester and Epoxy Glass Reinforced Plastics

Abstract

The effects of an inorganic fire-retardant additive, alumina trihydrate, on flammability characteristics and smoke generation of glass reinforced polyester, vinyl ester and epoxy resins were evaluated. Information is presented on the flame spread index (ASTM E162), limiting oxygen index (ASTM D2863), density of smoke generated (ASTM E662) and toxic gases of combustion (Boeing BSS 7239). Results indicated that the addition of the fire-retardant additive to the polymeric materials significantly decreased the flame spread index and increased the limiting oxygen index; however, the amount of smoke generated during pyrolytic and flaming combustion was high and unacceptable. Finally, the toxic gas evolution data indicated that the threshold limit values for some gases were exceeded.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA247707

Entities

People

  • Richard M. Morchat

Organizations

  • Defence Research and Development Canada

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Additives (Chemicals)
  • Aluminum Oxides
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Combustion
  • Epoxy Resins
  • Fires
  • Gas Evolution
  • Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics
  • Heat Energy
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Plastics
  • Polymers
  • Reinforced Plastics
  • Resins

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Fire Suppression Systems Design.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials