Heat resistance and flammability of high performance fibres: A review

Abstract The heat and flame resistance of high performance fibres are reviewed according to the literature data. The performance is discussed considering the physical and chemical structure of the fibres. Some selected high performance fibres are then evaluated using the cone calorimeter as a fire model to provide realistic data on the fire behaviour of the fibres. They are also examined in terms of heat resistance using combined TGA/DSC. The results are discussed and compared with literature data. Heterocyclic rigid‐rod polymers (poly (p‐phenylene‐2,6‐benzobisoxazole or PBO (Zylon ® ) and poly(2,6‐diimidazo (4,5‐b:4′,5′‐e) pyridinylene‐1,4 (2,5‐dihydroxy) phenylene or PIPD (M5)) exhibit the best performance (little or contribution to fire, low smoke and good heat resistance) and offer a good combination between heat and flame resistance and mechanical properties. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.