Evaluation of Fire Resistance of Polymer Composites with Natural Reinforcement as Safe Construction Materials for Small Vessels

Abstract

In small vessels, for example, yachts, polymer–glass composites are mainly used for their construction. However, the disposal and/or recycling of composite units is very difficult. It is advisable to solve the problem of disposing of post-consumer items as soon as possible. Therefore, alternative, environmentally friendly, but also durable and safe construction materials are being sought. Such materials can be polymer–natural composites, which can be used as a potential material (alternative to polymer–glass composites) for the construction of small vessels. However, its performance properties should be investigated as new construction materials. The possibility of using polymer–hemp composites was assessed in terms of safety, i.e., the fire resistance of these materials. This paper compares selected characteristics that the reaction of composite materials has to fire with glass fiber and hemp fiber reinforcements. During the study, a natural composite reinforced with hemp fabric was investigated. Based on the laboratory test, it was found that this composite showed better susceptibility to energy recycling, with a relatively small deterioration in fire resistance compared to the composite reinforced with glass fiber. This material could therefore be a potential construction material for small vessels if we consider fire resistance in terms of the safety of the vessel’s operation.