Design and testing of innovative materials for passive fire protection

This study focuses on the characterization of panels for passive fire protection made with new composite materials, based on basalt fibers and both organic and inorganic impregnating matrixes. These materials were experimentally investigated to assess their suitability to bear strict exercise conditions imposed by accidental flame impingement. To this end, an experimental facility was specifically designed to simulate jet fires at laboratory scale. The behaviour and the response of different types of materials were characterised by determining temperature profiles, weight losses and time for rupture under conditions of flame impingement. Compared to other materials, basalt-based composites present low wall temperatures and good residual strength, which retard the panel failure. As a consequence, basalt fibers may be considered as key components for the development of novel shields for PFP.