Fire-retardant high-performance epoxy-based materials

Epoxy-based composites are structurally versatile materials which may fulfill the requirements of many applications, but they suffer from insufficient fire resistance and thus the addition of flame retardants (FRs) is often necessary. This chapter gives an overview of recent advancements in the design and application of halogen-free flame-retardant epoxy resins and their fiber-reinforced composites. It focuses on both novel FRs and scientific studies on flame-retardant epoxy thermosets. First, the different kinds of high-performance matrix resins, their application ranges, and selected flame-retardant formulations are presented. Next, intrinsically flame-protected epoxy resins are introduced. Advancements in the design and application of phosphorus-, nitrogen-, and silicon-based and inorganic FRs are described. Synergistic flame-retardant mixtures are also presented. Results of studies on the impact of the fiber reinforcement on the fire behavior of epoxy-based materials are given. Moreover, the influence of FRs on material properties is described. Finally, the state of the art of science and technology is discussed, along with future challenges in flame retardancy of epoxy-based materials.