Fire retardancy of structural carbon fiber reinforced composites using thermoplastic interlayers

Carbon fiber reinforced composites have become more and more relevant in the aeronautic transportation sector because of their high specific mechanical properties. One drawback of this material is the behavior in case of fire. Most flame retardants reduce the mechanical properties, add additional weight or make the processing difficult. The aim of this study is the improvement of the Fire-Smoke-Toxicity Properties of structural carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites using thermoplastic interleaves in multi-layered laminates without a decrease in the specific mechanical properties.