Fire-retardant nanocomposites for aircraft interior applications (PF-Clay)
Lead Participant:
NETCOMPOSITES LIMITED
Abstract
Currently, the most commonly used materials for aircraft interiors are glass or carbon fibre or reinforced
phenolic composites. These phenolic-based materials are used because of their good fire performance.
However, phenolics are less good in other respects, notably the surface finish quality of their moulded parts
and the fact that they contain some potentially harmful ingredients.
NetComposites has developed a substitute composite material that overcomes both the surface finish and
health and safety limitations of phenolics. However, whilst this new material matches or outperforms phenolics
in most respects, its fire performance is still somewhat marginal.
This project will explore how novel nanoclays might be used to improve the fire performance of
NetComposites’ new material, thereby allowing the aerospace industry to appropriate its wider benefits.
phenolic composites. These phenolic-based materials are used because of their good fire performance.
However, phenolics are less good in other respects, notably the surface finish quality of their moulded parts
and the fact that they contain some potentially harmful ingredients.
NetComposites has developed a substitute composite material that overcomes both the surface finish and
health and safety limitations of phenolics. However, whilst this new material matches or outperforms phenolics
in most respects, its fire performance is still somewhat marginal.
This project will explore how novel nanoclays might be used to improve the fire performance of
NetComposites’ new material, thereby allowing the aerospace industry to appropriate its wider benefits.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
---|---|---|
NETCOMPOSITES LIMITED | £106,974 | £ 74,882 |
  | ||
Participant |
||
SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY | £40,057 | £ 40,057 |
UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD |
People |
ORCID iD |
Ben Hargreaves (Project Manager) |