Thermal–mechanical modelling of laminates with fire protection coating

• Published in: Composites. Part B, Engineering Vol. 48; pp. 68 - 78
• Main Authors: Mouritz, A.P., Feih, S., Kandare, E., Gibson, A.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs); Applied sciences; B. High-temperature properties; C. Analytical modelling; ceramics; coatings; Exact sciences and technology; fiberglass; Fire; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; glass fibers; heat transfer; insulating materials; Laminates; Polymer industry, paints, wood; polymers; Technology of polymers; temperature; thermal analysis; C. Analytical modelling; A. Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs); B. High-temperature properties; Fire; Laminate; Mechanical model; Fiber reinforced material; Epoxy resin; Compressive strength; Mineral fiber; Modeling; Composite material; Additive; Glass fiber fabric; Protective coatings; Vinyl ester resin; Mechanical properties; Flame retardant; Tensile property; Experimental study; Fire protection; Thermal properties; A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); Flammability; Numerical simulation; Woven material; Heat transfer; Ceramic fiber
• ISSN: 1359-8368; 1879-1069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.12.001

This paper presents a modelling approach to analyse the protection provided by passive and intumescent surface coatings on glass fibre reinforced laminate substrates exposed to fire. The modelling involves a multi-stage analytical approach: (i) thermal analysis of heat transfer from the fire through the surface insulation coating, which includes decomposition and expansion in the case of an intumescent material; (ii) thermal–chemical analysis of heat transfer through the fibreglass laminate substrate (beneath the fire protective coating), including decomposition of the polymer matrix; and (iii) thermal–mechanical analysis of softening and failure of the laminate under in-plane tension or compression loading. The modelling approach is validated using experimental temperature and strength data from fire structural tests performed on woven glass–vinyl ester laminates insulated with passive (ceramic fibre mat) or organic intumescent surface coatings.