A composite system approach to aircraft cabin fire safetyThe thermochemical and flammability characteristics of two polymeric composites currently in use and seven others being considered for use as aircraft interior panels are described. The properties studied included: (1) limiting oxygen index of the composite constituents; (2) fire containment capability of the composite; (3) smoke evolution from the composite; (4) thermogravimetric analysis; (5) composition of the volatile products of thermal degradation; and (6) relative toxicity of the volatile products of pyrolysis. The performance of high-temperature laminating resins such as bismaleimides is compared with the performance of phenolics and epoxies. The relationship of increased fire safety with the use of polymers with high anaerobic char yield is shown. Processing parameters of one of the bismaleimide composites is detailed.
Document ID
19770058085
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kourtides, D. A. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Parker, J. A. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Gilwee, W. J., Jr. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Lerner, N. R. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Hilado, C. J. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Labossiere, L. A. (San Francisco, University San Francisco, Calif., United States)
Hsu, M.-T. (San Jose State University San Jose, Calif., United States)