Fire-resistant Aluminosilicate Composites

The fire response of a potassium aluminosilicate (Geopolymer) matrix carbon fiber composite was measured and the results compared to organic matrix composites being used for transportation, military, and infrastructure applications. At irradiance levels of 50 kWm−2 typical of the heat flux in a well-developed fire, glass- or carbon-reinforced polyester, vinylester, epoxy, bismaleimde, cyanate ester, polyimide, phenolic, and engineering thermoplastic laminates ignited readily and released appreciable heat and smoke, while carbon-fiber reinforced Geopolymer composites did not ignite, burn, or release any smoke even after extended heat flux exposure. The Geopolymer matrix carbon fiber composite retains 67% of its original flexural strength after a simulated large fire exposure. © 1997 US Government