Characterization of flammability and fire resistance of carbon fibre reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic composite materials

This paper presents a complete methodology for the assessment and modelling of the flammability and fire resistance of carbon fibre (CF) reinforced thermosets (three different types of epoxy) and a thermoplastic resin (PEEK) used for the fuselage of modern aircrafts. A global ranking of the composites is presented for thermally thin conditions (1 mm thick) using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimeter measurements and four parameters for thermally intermediate conditions (4 mm thick) including a fire growth parameter, a smoke parameter, a toxicity parameter and the final mass residue. In addition, the shielding/charring effect of CF layers was characterised by modelling the reduction in the imposed heat flux due to this layer together with the previously determined thermal properties. By measuring the temperature at the back insulated surface of the composite in the cone calorimeter, we can also assess the fire resistance (integrity) of the composite and the heat transferred to the insulation behind this fuselage composite material in the aircraft application.