The behaviour of thermoset polymers under fire conditions

Abstract

AbstractThis paper reviews the current literature on the behaviour of thermoset polymers under fire conditions. These polymers are important and widely used materials. They are generally infusible and insoluble, and consist, on the molecular scale, of extensive cross‐linked networks rather than discrete macromolecules. Materials in this class include phenol‐formaldehydes, epoxides, cross‐linked polyester, amino resins and polyurethanes. As the use of plastics generally has grown, so there have been changes in the conditions prevailing in modern fires, and such changes are described, together with the potential fire hazards arising from the varying uses of the individual thermosets. Subsequently, literature on the pyrolytic and combustion characteristics of these materials is reviewed in order to assess their probable behaviour in real fires. Finally, existing approaches towards improving their fire behaviour are described.