Flame Retardancy of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Based on Nanoclays and Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract An introduction to the most widely used fiber-reinforced polymer composites, their applications, advantages, and fire behavior concerns is presented. The effects of fire intensity, structure (e.g. resin composition and content, fiber type and organization, fiber sizing agents), and specimen thickness on composites fire reaction properties are discussed. It is intended here to bring out the state of the art regarding the most recently approached flame-retardant solutions for composite materials, namely through the use of nanoclays and carbon nanotubes. Despite the large number of polymers and fibers combinations used in these composites, only the properties of the most commonly used thermoset matrices—epoxy and unsaturated polyester resins—and reinforcing fibers—glass and carbon—will be addressed here.