Passenger Safety: Flame, Smoke and Toxicity Control

Although composite materials are excellent for weight reduction, most thermoset resins carry some safety risk in mass transit applications because their chemistry consists of at least one carbon compound. The combustion reaction of these compounds, especially in the presence of other resin components, can produce toxic byproducts. This article summarizes regulations and test methods that have been developed to control fire, smoke and toxicity (FST) in materials used in mass transit applications. The article also describes the formulations that have been developed to meet these requirements. Several resin additives and fire-resistant thermoset resin formulations are currently available to meet federal and local safety requirements. In addition, emerging alternatives such as inorganic resins and specially developed fiber forms are under development. Alumina trihydrate-based resin systems are available that surpass current ASTM requirements. Phenolic resins are based on an inherently FST-resistant chemistry, but are difficult to process. Despite this challenge, several manufacturers have patented phenolic resin systems for use in mass transit vehicles. Intumescent flame-retardant systems usually contain three components that interact to form a char layer, which then effectively eliminates an at-risk material as a fuel source for flame. Intumescent systems have been used in the form of paintable coatings for many years, but are now being incorporated directly into the composites to eliminate the need for secondary coating operations.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10834117
• Authors:
  • Nelson, Jared
• Publication Date: 2005-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 28-31
• Serial:
  • Composites Technology
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: Gardner Publications Incorporated
  • ISSN: 1083-4117

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Additives; Composite materials; Fire resistant coatings; Fire resistant materials; Fire retardants; Flames; Formulations; Inorganic compounds; New products; Phenolic resins; Product development; Regulations; Smoke; Technological innovations; Test procedures; Thermosetting resins; Toxicity; Transit safety; Vehicle safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Alumina trihydrate; Intumescent systems
• Subject Areas: Law; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01016327
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 31 2006 10:16AM