Fire Resistant Resin Types
Resin Types | Fire Rating & Operating Temperature | Application |
Type O Orthophthalic Polyester resin | Fire retardant, flame spread rating ASTM E84 Class 1, 25 or less, operating temperature -50°C to +100°C. | For applications in water/wastewater or air-ageing, light industrial and in the wave zone areas of offshore platforms where the environment is moderate. Although Type O is the least chemical resistant resin it still offers superior performance to traditional flooring products such as steel, aluminum and wood and is the most economical resin available. |
Type I Isophthalic Polyester resin | Fire retardant, flame spread rating ASTM E84 Class 1, 25 or less, operating temperature -50°C to +105°C. | For use in the environments of middle concentration inorganic acid, inorganic alkali, etc. |
Type F Food grade Polyester resin | Fire retardant, operating temperature -50°C to +105°C. | Often used in food plants or water treatment plants. |
Type V Vinyl Ester resin | Fire retardant, flame spread rating ASTM E84 Class 1, 25 or less, operating temperature -50°C to +110°C. | Environments with serious corrosion issues. |
Type HV High flame resistant Vinyl Ester resin | Enhanced fire retardant, flame spread rating ASTM E84 Class 1, 10 or less, operating temperature -50°C to +110°C. Grating has passed assessment by ABS (American Bureau of Shipping). | Environments with serious corrosion requiring better flame resistance. |
Type P Phenolic resin | Low smoke and superior fire resistance, flame spread rating ASTM E84 Class 1, 5 or less, smoke developed index zero, operating temperature up to 180°C. | For use in areas where fire resistance, low smoke, and low toxic fumes are critical e.g. offshore applications. |
What is Flame Retardant Fiberglass?
Fiberglass material is a composite primarily made from glass fiber and resin. This innovative material offers several advantages, including being lightweight, high-strength, corrosion-resistant, and possessing excellent electrical properties. Among its key features, flame retardant fiberglass stands out for its ability to resist fire and prevent the spread of flames. In this article, we’ll explore how flame retardant fiberglass works and why it is so effective in various applications.
How Does Flame Retardant Fiberglass Work?
The effectiveness of flame retardant fiberglass depends on two main factors: the inherent properties of glass fibers and the flame retardant modifications made to the resin.
The Role of Glass Fibers in Flame Retardant Fiberglass
Glass fiber is an inorganic material known for its high melting point and thermal stability. Unlike many substances, it doesn’t burn or melt in flames. Instead, it forms a protective carbonization layer. This layer acts as a barrier, isolating heat and air. Consequently, this slows down the combustion rate and lowers the temperature at which the resin burns. Hence, flame retardant fiberglass benefits significantly from this protective action of the glass fibers.
For instance, the formation of a carbonized layer effectively shields the underlying material from direct exposure to flames, making it an essential feature of flame retardant fiberglass.
Enhancing Resin with Flame Retardant Modifications
Resin, which serves as the matrix material in fiberglass, is inherently flammable. To improve its flame retardant properties, various flame retardants are added. These can be classified into two categories: additive and reactive.
Additive flame retardants are physical substances mixed with the resin. Examples include phosphorus chloride, magnesium chloride, and aluminum hydroxide. These additives work by decomposing at high temperatures to release non-combustible gases. As a result, they dilute the oxygen available for combustion, reduce the burning temperature of the resin, and create a protective carbonized layer.
On the other hand, reactive flame retardants are chemical additives that interact with the resin during its curing process. Examples include melamine, phosphorus trichloride, and boric acid. These substances increase the thermal decomposition temperature of the resin, slow its decomposition rate, reduce combustible gas production, and enhance the formation of a dense carbonized layer.
Applications of Flame Retardant Fiberglass
Flame retardant fiberglass is used extensively across various industries due to its superior fire resistance. In particular, it is employed in construction, automotive parts, marine applications, and electrical insulation. In each of these areas, its ability to withstand high temperatures and resist flames is crucial for both safety and performance.
For example, in the construction industry, flame retardant fiberglass is used to create safer building materials that help prevent the rapid spread of fire.
Summary
In conclusion, flame retardant fiberglass combines the high thermal stability of glass fibers with the enhanced fire resistance provided by specially modified resins. Understanding how these materials function can help in selecting the most appropriate fiberglass for applications where fire safety is a top priority. Overall, the integration of flame retardant properties in fiberglass makes it a valuable material in many critical applications.
