Characterization in expected working environments of recyclable fire-resistant materials

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of multi-material solutions for fire-resistant structural materials for transport and thermal insulation in the construction field. Special attention was paid to combining recyclable and bio-mass derived raw materials without interfering with an easy end-of-life separation, recycling and reuse. Fire-resistant biomass derived resins were associated with basalt derived Mineral Fibres (BDMF) in the form of prepregs, which were studied as semi-finished materials. Fire-resistance was obtained by associating these prepregs with thin gres tiles in the case of fire-resistant thermal insulating facades and with aluminum layers (giving origin to Fibre Metal Laminates-FML) in the case of structural components for transport applications. Thermophysical characterization of the solutions was carried out to assess both thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity. Fire resistance tests were performed on FML to determine the number of Al layers needed to ensure fire resistance. Results suggest that fire resistance depends primarily on the number of Al layers, rather than on their thickness. Accelerated ageing tests (salty mist and freeze-thaw) were executed to predict durability in the expected working conditions. Results suggest a durability issue in FML with preceramic interface in salty environments.