Contact person
Anna Sandinge
Forskare
Contact AnnaComposites and their reaction-to fire
The use of composites is increasing in line with increasing demands on lighter vessels and vehicles. At the same time, high demands are placed on the materials with regard to fire and safety. RISE has for several years actively participated in research on composites and their impact on fire.
New products and materials are continuously developed for the market, either as new materials or for use in new applications, where they replace existing materials. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), composites, are an example of new materials that replace existing materials, where e.g. steel is replaced in maritime applications.
Composites are known to be lightweight and have good mechanical properties. They are therefore often used in advanced technical products, such as in the automotive industry, trains, shipping applications, construction and aviation. But there is one main disadvantage of composites. The matrix in the material usually consists of a polymer which in many cases is highly flammable, which means that composites generally have a poor fire performance. There are ways to improve the fire behavior by using additives and finishes.
RISE has extensive experience and knowledge of the impact of composites on fire. By actively participating in research projects, both national and international, new material solutions have been developed in close collaboration with partners, material manufacturers and end users. Focus has been on finding solutions to be able to build lighter vessels and thus, among other things. reduce fuel consumption. A selection of the latest projects RISE has participated in is
- BESST
- Fire-RESIST, funded by European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013)
- KOMPIS, funded by Västra Götalands regionen
- RAMSSES, funded by EU Horizon 2020
- Cost-FRM, funded by Research Council of Norway
Another area where composite materials are used is in trains and other railway vehicles. RISE participated in the Mat4Rail project, where a extensive work was done to develop and evaluate fire properties of several different composites. The LightSURF project, which is nationally funded, evaluates the ability of various surface treatments to protect the composite when exposed to fire.
In addition to research projects, RISE works actively with customer projects, where the customer's problem is in focus. Together, a solution is worked out to meet the fire requirements that the application requires.
More information
E-LASS, The European network for lightweight applications at sea, coordinated by RISE and brings together companies, organizations and institutes in Europe to exchange knowledge about lightweight applications and to collaborate on projects and project applications.
S-LASS,the Swedish network for light constructions at sea, aims to contribute to a positive and sustainable development in these areas through lightweight design and materials.
