Reinforcement and matrix effects on the combustion properties of glass reinforced polymer composites

Cone calorimetry has been used to determine the combustion properties of glass reinforced polymer (GRP) composite materials containing various matrix resins and different types of glass reinforcement. Powder bound chopped strand mat (CSM) and woven roving (WR) GRP composites containing polyester, vinyl ester and phenolic matrix resins were examined at various irradiance levels. Values for time to ignition, rate of heat release, effective heat of combustion, smoke obscuration and evolved carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are reported for the composites and the resin components, with the phenolic materials displaying clearly superior combustion properties. The different reinforcements also have a significant effect on composite combustion, with the CSM composites consistently showing lower ignition times, and lower and broader rate of heat release vs time profiles. Reasons for these differences are discussed. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Limited.