Chapters authored
Stochastic Finite Element Modelling of Char Forming Filler Addition and Alignment – Effects on Heat Conduction into Polymer Condensed Phase
Micro- and nano-filler particles have been considered as char-forming flame retardants for polymers. It has been shown that suitable particles may operate in the condensed phase to prevent or delay the escape of fuel into the gas phase. Good flame retardancy performance may be achieved in composites with comparatively low filler loadings. However, many candidate filler materials, such as rod-like and plate-like carbon allotrope fillers with high aspect ratio, will effectively enhance the composite’s thermal conductivity, and hence, may greatly increase heat input into the condensed phase. Moreover, anisotropy in terms of thermal conductivity must be considered when rod-like and plate-like particles are aligned, for example as a result of manufacturing processes. The presented study investigates these effects, i.e., thermal conductivity enhancement due to filler addition and alignment, using a modeling framework based on Monte Carlo simulation that was developed for predicting effective composite properties considering filler-matrix and particle-to-particle interfacial effects. A stochastic finite element analysis was performed to model rod-shaped carbon particles embedded in a polymer matrix. The chosen analysis is demonstrated to be an effective means for elucidating the effect of filler addition and alignment on the heat conduction into polymer materials containing fillers as char-forming flame retardants.
Part of the book: Flame Retardants