Fire-Resistant Materials: Research Overview

This report provides an overview of the research being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop fire safe cabin materials for commercial aircraft. The objective of the Fire-Resistant Materials program is to eliminate burning cabin materials as a cause of death in aircraft accidents. Long-term activities include the synthesis of new, thermally stable, low fuel value organic and inorganic polymer systems. The synthesis effort is supported by fundamental research to understand polymer combustion and fire resistance mechanisms using numerical and analytic modeling and the development of new characterization techniques. Aircraft materials which are targeted for upgraded fire resistance are (1) thermoset resins for interior decorative panels, secondary composites, and adhesives, (2) thermoplastics for decorative facings, telecommunication equipment, passenger service units, molded seat parts, transparencies, and electrical wiring, (3) textile fibers for upholstery, carpets, decorative murals, tapestries, and (4) elastomers/rubber for seat cushions, pillows, and sealants. During the first 2 years of the program (1995-1996) we have made significant progress in achieving our interim goal of a 50 percent reduction in the heat release rate of cabin materials by 2002 and zero heat release rate cabin materials by 2010 with respect to the 1996 baseline for new aircraft. A follow-on detailed report, Fire-Resistant Materials: Progress Report, DOT/FAA/AR-97/100, documents the technical efforts of all of the investigators in the program.