Low Flammability Non-Halogenated Vinyl Ester Resin Containing Nanofillers for Production of RTM Composite Structures

UDC proposes to develop a low flammability vinyl ester resin that contains no halogens and has similar processibility (viscosity, cure properties) and mechanical properties to the Navy standard vinyl ester Derakane 510A. Lower flammability includesless smoke and carbon monoxide generation and a reduced heat release rate. Our approach for obtaining low flammability will be the addition of a small amount of a non-flammable inorganic material dispersed on a nano-scale. UDC will formulate a vinylester resin nanocomposite that will meet the Navy fire growth and tenability requirements for composites based on performance in the ISO 9705 room/corner test. The developed resin will be used by UDC in the fabrication of small samples that will betested for viscosity, cure, flammability (such as ASTM E1354 Cone Calorimetry for heat release rate, mass loss, carbon monoxide, and smoke production), and mechanical properties. At the end of Phase I, we will provide a report with results andconclusions, and a Phase II plan. The developed system will be utilized in numerous industrial applications where low flammability materials are needed. Such applications include home (vanities, countertops, ladders), in vehicles, in boats, airplaneinterior compartments, and many other places where reduced flammability is an issue. Composite materials have already found widespread application in the commercial market. The high performance combined with a much lower flammability matrixwill lead to new applications in all markets, including aerospace, military and commercial.