Literature review of natural fibre composite fire properties

The past decade has seen an increase in natural fibre composite research, with a focus towards improving mechanical properties to compete with traditional composites. Despite this academic interest, the commercial interest and uptake is comparatively small. Furthermore, the commercial applications are also not driven by mechanical properties, but other features. One is the fire performance of natural fibre composite, and integrating with a commercial light resin transfer moulding (RTM) process. In flammability research of natural fibre composites, there is a general formula that researchers follow: select fibre/matrix combination(s), select retardant additives or processes, manufacture sample, test samples, and discuss findings. This formula has been pivotal in establishing the type of retardants and processes that are capable of reducing the flammability of bio-composites. The following report provides a review of current literature on fire properties. It reviews the behaviour of natural fibre composites during a fire, including a common testing method, and the results obtained from this process. The report also reviews common fire retardant additives which can be used with natural fibre composites. Finally, it identifies areas of future research that will contribute to the fire properties body of knowledge