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A large quantity of information is available on the fire reaction properties of polymer composites (as described in chapters 2 to 5), and the level of fire hazard associated with their use is known for a large number of materials. We also have a good understanding of the chemical, thermal and physical mechanisms that control reaction properties such as time-to-ignition, heat release rate, flame spread rate, smoke production and toxicity. In short, we have quite a good quantitative understanding of the fire reaction behaviour of composites. Unfortunately, less is known about the fire resisting properties, such as burn-through resistance, dimensional stability and structural integrity, especially when the structure is under load. Moreover it is not usually possible to estimate the fire resistive behaviour based solely on the known fire reaction properties. A composite that has good fire reaction properties, such as low heat release rate and smoke yield, may not necessarily have good fire resistive properties. Composites with a polymer matrix having high thermal stability, decomposition temperature and char yield may not necessarily have better fire resistive properties than more flammable materials. For example, phenolic laminates generally show better fire reaction properties than unsaturated polyester laminates, including longer ignition time, lower heat release rate, slower flame spread and less smoke, but their mechanical properties can often degrade more rapidly in fire. Until recently, little was known about the structural properties of composites in fire. Understanding the structural performance in fire is a critical safety issue because the loss in stiffness, strength and creep resistance can cause composite structures to distort and collapse; possibly resulting in injury and death. Structural properties of composites in fire are therefore arguably as important to safety as the fire reaction properties that have generally been more widely studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fire reaction properties and thermal degradation mechanisms of polymer composites have been subjects of in-depth characterisation and analysis for many years because of the need for fire-safe materials. The growing use of composites in aircraft, ships, civil construction and other applications has required knowledge of their reaction properties such as heat release rate, smoke production and toxic gas emission to ensure safety in the event of fire. Furthermore, the thermal decomposition behaviour of organic resins, fibres and core materials that determine the fire reaction properties of composites are generally well understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fire reaction properties of fibre reinforced polymer composites are described in this chapter. The properties that are described are time-to-ignition, heat release rate, mass loss, extinction flammability index, thermal stability index, limiting oxygen index, smoke density, smoke toxicity and surface spread of flame. The fire resistance properties of burn-through resistance and resistance to jet-fire attack are also described, although other resistance properties such as structural capacity in fire and post-fire mechanical properties are discussed in separate chapters later in this book. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The test methods most often used to measure the fire reaction and fire resistive properties of composites are outlined in this chapter. The majority of tests and standards described in this chapter are not specific to a certain class of material; although we seek here to examine them from the viewpoint of engineers interested in the use of composites. Determination of the fire reaction properties is important because of their strong influence on the early stages in the growth of fire. The reaction properties of composites that can affect the start-up and growth of fire include the time-to-ignition, oxygen index, peak and average heat release rates, and surface spread of flame. There are other reaction properties that may not influence the growth of fire but are critical to human survival, most notably smoke density and smoke toxicity. The test methods commonly used to measure these fire reaction properties are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]