Rockwool fibre mat improves FRP fire resistance

MATERj,&$ Rockwool fibre mat improves FRP fire resistance A SURFACE solution

times its original

engineering

to the problem

of

forming

fire resistance

in fibre rein-

lation

forced

(FRP) prod-

tionally

plastic

ucts

is being

Technical (TFP).

offered

Fibre

by

Products

This concept is based

on practical experience by incorporating certain

that,

a layer of

materials

near

surface of a composite uct,

the properties

composite

the

prodof the

Tecnofire rockwool

60853

is a

fibre based

mescent

surfacing

temperatures

intu-

mat.

above

At

180°C

the product expands to nine

a thick, bulky insu-

layer which

is excep-

resistant

temperatures

to high

and erosion by

forming

a thick

layer of insulating

fibres on

the surface.

layer can

FRP

protect from

degradation

periods. resistance

ite manufacturers

the

of

improving

through

the

burn-

rate and structural

This

the underlying

hot gases in fire conditions. a means

The

Tecnofire Epoxy-based 60853

insulation fire tests.

incorporating

a surface layer

of Tecnofire

is exposed

fire conditions, mescent

to

a rapid intu-

reaction

occurs

of

material

for the construction transit

vehicles.

of mass However

FRP generally has poor fire because

the

of the combustibility

of the

Tecnofire up to and

in hydrocarbon

organic

polymer

con-

stituents.

Although

poly-

mers

be modified

can

improve fire,

their

at high

plastics

be engineered strength,

reaction

assembly

to

the products degrade leading

can

to provide

stiffness,

to

temperatures

to loss of stability

Reinforced

and

an attractive

makes

resistance properties

used.

integrity

monolith-

This

on

composites

hours

patible with most resin sysa composite

of fire

have achieved

two

tems.

When

period

80853

ditions. is com-

for long

thickness

incorporating

60853

resin

is dependant

stability of FRP in fire conTecnofire

over conventional

protective

ic materials.

This product offers compos-

can be changed in

a cost effective manner.

thickness

weight

advantages

of the

composite.

TFP; Cooke, To ny +44-1539-818264; fm:+44-539-733850. tel:

Long-fibre polvtwotwlene challenges thermosets /I I/ u A LONG

fibre-reinforced

polypropylene launched ny

has

by French

Appryl

such

been compa-

barrels,

developed

tools),

(profiles,

Composites.

PryltexB,

as industrial

compo-

nents (casings, frames, pump

tions),

in a

construction

pipes, sports

connec-

and leisure

joint venture with Multibase

(handles, fastenings, castors),

SA, has aesthetic

electromechanical

and struc-

tural characteristics

household

which,

and

electrical

goods

says the company, will bene-

(gear covers, stands, casings).

fit the automotive

Special

primarily,

but

industry

trial equipment, tion,

household

colours or fire resistance

and

A polypropylene

matrix

by glass fibre of

Initial automotive applications for Pryltex are like4 to include battery case supports.

12, 18 and 25 mm

lengths

depending required,

on the properties can be fabricated

tive to thermoset

high rigidity,

producing

ence

Dieuze

impact resistance. is maintained

recycled

Ability

to fabricate

parts with low

void content

and a smooth,

Pryltex

free,

surface

a potential

moisture

The latter

at tempera-

makes alterna-

Reinforced Plastics January 1998

density

of low

minimal.

tures down to -40°C.

warp

parts

and

stability

parent

er told a recent press confer-

low

results weight

and

uptake over time is Pryltex into

polypropylene

can

be

a large

number

of

include lower

Appryl says there may be cost benefits

to

that

bumper battery

other

initial

are likely

to

beams,

bodywork

compo-

case supports

under-bonnet

components. Applications Olivier

plastic items. significant

applications

and

granules

which can be used to manufacture

in Paris

nents,

short-fibre

car products manag-

Atochem,

in

polypropylene

dimensional

of

Charles-Henri

of

The

structural

which combine

substitution. Robert,

processing items

composites

and, in some cases, metals.

techniques

and semi-structural

Following

pilot plant tri-

als at the Plastics

Research

and Development

by conventional into

are

required.

electrical sectors.

reinforced

are

tions where qualities such as

construc-

electromechanical

formulations

available for specific applica-

also indus-

new

manager

Guillerot, applications

developed

in other

spoke of being sectors

March

could

group Appryl Pryltex

site 1997.

an initial 2500

Centre Elf started at its

in France

in

The plant has

capacity

of some

tonnes per year, which rise to 4500

tonnes

within three years.

Charles-Hen?? Robert/ Olivier Guillerot, Appryl Composites; tel: +33-I -49007029; fax: +33- 1-49008050.