Title: Sustainable, Fire-Resistant Building Materials from Furan-Based Epoxy Resins and Natural Fiber Composites

Authors: Amy Honnig Bassett, Giuseppe R. Palmese, Ph.D.

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.24.0132

Abstract: "With increased greenhouse gas emissions, some anticipate a 50 % increase in extreme wildfires (burning > 25,000 acres) by 2100 [1]. The threat of wildfire damage requires the development of fire-resistant and more sustainable building materials. Polymer/fiber reinforced composites have the potential to be used if appropriate starting materials are chosen. Therefore, there is a need to develop new materials for composites that are both fire resistant and renewably sourced. In this study, sustainable, fire-resistant polymer/fiber reinforced composites were fabricated. A furan-based epoxy resin was used as the polymer matrix. Furan is obtained from polysaccharides found in biomass wastes and is known to increase the char yield of thermosets made with them. Flax fibers were used as the fiber reinforcements. The thermal stabilities of the epoxy resin and fibers were evaluated separately using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Composites were fabricated using Resin Transfer Molding (RTM). The fire performance of this system was evaluated using UL standards and compared to glass fiber reinforced composites. "

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Conference: SAMPE 2024

Publication Date: 2024/05/20

SKU: TP24-0000000132

Pages: 8

Price: $16.00