Carbon epoxy flammability

Figure 36. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) of flammability resistance for carbon/carbon composites and related hybrid composites with epoxy resin impregnant, as functions of bulk density and resin content (64).

As described by DuPont researchers, significant weight saving and low flammability are the primary driving forces behind the adoption of Kevlar by the aircraft industry. Kevlar-epoxy composites are 25-50% lighter than those from glass and aluminum and have better tensile properties. Because thermotropic LCPs offer a low viscosity for the impregnation of carbon fibers and excellent chemical resistance, LCP-carbon fiber composite has been developed as a secondary composite for the aerospace industry [6]. 

Carbon-Fiber Composites. Cured laminates of phenolic resins and carbon-fiber reinforcement provide superior flammability resistance and thermal resistance compared to unsaturated polyester and epoxy. Table 14 shows the dependence of flexural strength and modulus on phenolic-carbon-fiber composites at 30-40% phenolic resin (112). These composites also exhibit long-term elevated temperature stability up to 230°C. 

As shown in the previous section, most polymer composites used in construction involve highly flammable matrices, such as polyester, vinylester or epoxy resins. Besides, if glass and carbon fibres are generally considered heat resistant, other type of fibres used for specific applications may also exhibit poor fire behaviour (aramid, polyolefins or other polymer fibres, for instance). Therefore, to meet the safety requirements specified in building codes and... 

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