Enhancing the fire resistance of ablative materials: role of the polymeric matrix and silicon carbide reinforcement

J. Abenojar, S. López de Armentia, M.A. Martínez

Polymers Vol. 16, nº. 17, pp. 2454-1 - 2454-18

Summary:

The primary characteristic of ablative materials is their fire resistance. This study explored the development of cost-effective ablative materials formed into application-specific shapes by using a polymer matrix reinforced with ceramic powder. A thermoplastic (polypropylene; PP) and a thermoset (polyester; UPE) matrix were used to manufacture ablative materials with 50 wt% silicon carbide (SiC) particles. The reference composites (50 wt% SiC) were compared to those with 1 and 3 wt% short glass fibers (0.5 mm length) and to composites using a 1 and 3 wt% glass fiber mesh. Fire resistance was tested using a butane flame (900 °C) and by measuring the transmitted heat with a thermocouple. Results showed that the type of polymer matrix (PP or UPE) did not influence fire resistance. Composites with short glass fibers had a fire-resistance time of 100 s, while those with glass fiber mesh tripled this resistance time. The novelty of this work lies in the exploration of a specific type of material with unique percentages of SiC not previously studied. The aim is to develop a low-cost coating for industrial warehouses that has improved fire-protective properties, maintains lower temperatures, and enhances the wear and impact resistance.

Spanish layman's summary:

Este estudio desarrolló materiales ablativos de bajo costo al reforzar matrices poliméricas con polvo cerámico y fibras de vidrio para mejorar la resistencia al fuego. Los compuestos con malla de fibra de vidrio triplicaron la resistencia al fuego en comparación con los que usaban fibras cortas, lo que los hace prometedores para aplicaciones industriales contra incendios.

English layman's summary:

This study developed cost-effective ablative materials by reinforcing polymer matrices with ceramic powder and glass fibers to enhance fire resistance. Composites with glass fiber mesh tripled the fire resistance compared to those with short glass fibers, offering promising applications for industrial fire-protection.

Keywords: ablative material; wear; impact; silicon carbide; polypropylene; polyester

JCR Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 4,700 - Q1 (2023)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172454

Published on paper: September 2024.

Published on-line: August 2024.

Citation:
J. Abenojar, S. López de Armentia, M.A. Martínez, Enhancing the fire resistance of ablative materials: role of the polymeric matrix and silicon carbide reinforcement. Polymers. Vol. 16, nº. 17, pp. 2454-1 - 2454-18, September 2024. [Online: August 2024]