Abstract
Multifunctional thermoset composites were made from polyester resin, glass fiber mats and carbon nanofiber sheets (CNS). Their flaming behavior was investigated with cone calorimeter under well-controlled combustion conditions. The heat release rate was lowered by pre-planting carbon nanofiber sheets on the sample surface with the total fiber content of only 0.38 wt.%. Electron microscopy showed that carbon nanofiber sheet was partly burned and charred materials were formed on the combusting surface. Both the nanofibers and charred materials acted as an excellent insulator and/or mass transport barrier, improving the fire retardancy of the composite. This behavior agrees well with the general mechanism of fire retardancy in various nanoparticle-thermoplastic composites.
Journal Title
Science and Technology of Advanced Materials
Volume
10
Issue/Number
1
Publication Date
1-1-2009
Document Type
Article
WOS Identifier
ISSN
1468-6996
Recommended Citation
Zhao, Zhongfu and Gou, Jan, "Improved fire retardancy of thermoset composites modified with carbon nanofibers" (2009). Faculty Bibliography 2000s. 2384.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2000/2384