| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R60690/01 |
| Title: |
Flame-retardant fibre reinforced polyester composites incorporating polymer layered silicate nanoclays |
| Principal Investigator: |
Kandola, Professor B |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Faculty of Technology |
| Organisation: |
University of Bolton |
| Scheme: |
Fast Stream |
| Starts: |
11 March 2002 |
Ends: |
10 March 2004 |
Value (£): |
62,894
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
Materials Synthesis & Growth |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Manufacturing |
Energy |
| Transport Systems and Vehicles |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Within the area of rigid composites, unsaturated polyesters are very popular because of their low cost and easy processing. However, standard unsaturated polyester resins are fairly flammable materials and produce large quantities of smoke. Invariably, fire retardant variants have antimony-bromine formulations included within the resin component, which significantly increase smoke evolution. Recently we have observed that when certain inherently flame retardant cellulosic fibre/interactive intumescent are added to a composite, the fire performance in terms of heat release rate reduction (using cone calorimetry) of the composite laminate is greatly improved without considerable decrease in mechanical properties.This effect has been observed for a number of resin systems (epoxy, phenolic and polyester). However, these structures, although reducing heat release rates do not confer the same high levels of flame retardancy observed with bromine-containing formulations. In the present proposal we intend to build on this previous work and plan to introduce nanodispersed clays as additional char-promoting components into the resin. Layered silicate nanoclays have been shown to offer significant advantages over conventional formulations, e.g., they require only low loading levels (< 5%) to achieve improved flame retardancy. The physical and mechanical properties of the polymer are also improved. Our aim is to introduce polymer layered silicate nanoclays with intumescents and other interactive (and non-halogen) flame retardants into the polyester resin, with the aim of enhancing both flame retardant and tensile properties of the resin and hence composite.
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Key Findings |
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.bolton.ac.uk |