HIGH TEMPERATURE INORGANIC RESIN FOR USE IN FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES

Abstract

One of the major concerns in using Fiber Reinforced Composites (FRC) in applications that might be subjected to fire is their resistance to high temperature. Some of the fabrics used in FRC, such as carbon, are fire resistant. However, almost all the resins used cannot withstand temperatures higher than 200 degrees centigrade. Recently, some high temperature organic polymers have been developed. Even these polymers can withstand only about 400 to 500 degress centigrade and are very expensive. This paper deals with the development and use of a GEOPOLYMERE that is inorganic and can easily sustain more than 800 degrees centigrade. Currently, there is an ongoing research program at Rutgers University on the development of this inorganic polymer with various types of fabrics. The initial experimental and analytical results are reported in this paper. The results presented include the composite behavior in tension, flexure, and shear. Tests have been conducted on the virgin samples and samples exposed to a temperature of 1000 degrees centigrade. The results indicate that the composite can withstand 327, 245, and 14 Mpa in tension, flexure, and shear respectively.