Flame-retardant strategy and mechanism of fiber reinforced polymeric composite: A review

Fiber reinforced polymeric composites (FRPCs) have been widely used in automotive, aircraft, airspace, marine and civil construction. However, they are flammable, thus seriously threating the safety of human beings and property. To enhance the flame retardancy of FRPCs, suitable flame-retardant treatments have been carried out, which is efficiency in enhancing the thermal stability and fire resistance. In this review, the thermal decomposition characteristic of FRPC is initially introduced to understand the necessity of flame retardnacy. Then, the flame-retardant requirements of FRPC in different applications are summarized to guide the selection of flame retardant and flame-retardant method. The main section concentrates on the flame-retardant method and mechanism as well as research status in flame retardation for FRPC. The flame-retardant methods to treat fiber, polymer and composites are discussed, and the advantages and limitations of each method are also introduced. Finally, a brief outlook at the development of the flame retardation for FRPC is summarized.