Self-Extinguishing Resin Transfer Molding Composites Using Non-Fire-Retardant Epoxy Resin

Abstract

Introducing fire-retardant additives or building blocks into resins is a widely adopted method used for improving the fire retardancy of epoxy composites. However, the increase in viscosity and the presence of insoluble additives accompanied by resin modification remain challenges for resin transfer molding (RTM) processing. We developed a robust approach for fabricating self-extinguishing RTM composites using unmodified and flammable resins. To avoid the effects on resin fluidity and processing, we loaded the flame retardant into tackifiers instead of resins. We found that the halogen-free flame retardant, a microencapsulated red phosphorus (MRP) additive, was enriched on fabric surfaces, which endowed the composites with excellent fire retardancy. The composites showed a 79.2% increase in the limiting oxygen index, a 29.2% reduction in heat release during combustion, and could self-extinguish within two seconds after ignition. Almost no effect on the mechanical properties was observed. This approach is simple, inexpensive, and basically applicable to all resins for fabricating RTM composites. This approach adapts insoluble flame retardants to RTM processing. We envision that this approach could be extended to load other functions (radar absorbing, conductivity, etc.) into RTM composites, broadening the application of RTM processing in the field of advanced functional materials.

Mechanical Properties of Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Biobased Epoxy Resins Manufactured by Resin Infusion Process

“…Synthetic fibers such as fiberglass are toxic, require chemical treatment, and certainly a high quantity of energy for their production. Furthermore, they represent a health risk for workers when proper precautions are not followed [1][2][3][4][5].…”

“…One alternative to solve these severe disadvantages is to develop biolaminated composites, which are ecological composite materials that consist of natural fibers and epoxidized vegetable oil resins, which restrict the use of bisphenol-A [4][5][6][7]. There is extensive literature on the use of natural plant fibers as reinforcement for thermosetting resins.…”

High‐efficiencyammonium polyphosphate intumescent encapsulated polypropylene flame retardant

“…To evaluate the flammability of PP materials, 50,51 LOI and UL-94 were implemented as listed in Table 1. It could be seen that the LOI values kept increasing with the addition of the fire retardant.…”

Innovation in Aircraft Cabin Interior Panels Part I: Technical Assessment on Replacing the Honeycomb with Structural Foams and Evaluation of Optimal Curing of Prepreg Fiberglass

“…Based on the type of interior, the aircraft cabin interior market has been segmented into aircraft seating, inflight entertainment and connectivity, cabin lighting, galley equipment, aircraft lavatories, aircraft windows and windshields, overhead compartments, and divider panels. However, the materials used in the cabin interiors are similar regardless of airline or type of aircraft since all passenger-carrying craft must meet the flammability requirements [ 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”