Flammability properties and resistance to vandalism of hybrid composites reinforced with fabrics and powder fillers

Epoxy resin matrix composites were reinforced with natural fiber, glass fiber, synthetic fiber fabrics and/or powder fillers in various configurations. SEM anal., flammability and smoke emission tests, flame resistance and anti-vandal tests of the composites were performed. The hybrid composites exhibited better flammability properties and reduced smoke generation compared to the fiberglass-reinforced composite. The presence of different types of reinforcement adversely affected the emitted compounds present in the fumes during combustion. The fiberglass-reinforced composite showed the highest knife-strike resistance.