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

Resumen:

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.

Resumen divulgativo:

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.

Palabras Clave: ablative material; wear; impact; silicon carbide; polypropylene; polyester

Índice de impacto JCR y cuartil WoS: 4,700 - Q1 (2023)

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

Publicado en papel: Septiembre 2024.

Publicado on-line: Agosto 2024.

Cita:
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, Septiembre 2024. [Online: Agosto 2024]