Over the last decades, polymer composites have shown considerable potential in a wide range of applications. Polymer composites have the following advantages:  low weight and less expensive, ease of process ability, high stiffness strength. However, when composites are heated above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer matrix (typically above 300–400 ℃), pyrolysis gas is released as a result of heat degradation.

On the basis of fire safety regulations, scientific study and certification tests are carried out in this context. This approach entails careful consideration and rigorous efforts in order to develop long-term solutions that lower the risk of fire while retaining composite material mechanical integrity.

The aim of this video is to carry out an extensive study on the various classes of thermal/fire facilities used for the characterization of polymer composite materials and to examine different test parameters with respect to their gaseous emission properties.

And this will be achieved via the following specific objectives:

• Collection of data from top five publishers
• Classification of thermal and fire testing facilities
• Evaluation of various thermal/fire parameters of polymer composites
• Gas emission assessment of some composite materials

This video has successfully explored the application of the various classes of the thermal and combustion state-of-the-art facilities deployed for the evaluation of the flammability and thermal stability of polymer composites.

Summarily, the small-scale facilities (such as TGA, MCC etc) provide detailed understanding and mastery of the thermal reaction properties of the composites. While with the medium scale, extended fire reaction parameters which are the key indicators of the fire safety performance such as the pHRR, THR, TTI, TSP, CO/CO₂ etc can be determined. 

However, the large-scale burner as recommended by safety concerned organizations such as FAA, has the advantage of been a representative of the realistic fire condition thereby providing a more precise and reliable data during the combustion process. Therefore, comparative studies of thermophysical and gaseous emission parameters between medium and large-scale plants can be conducted.

Furthermore, novel polymer composite materials, particularly from bio sources (because of their environmental friendliness, economic concerns and acceptable fire safety performance), could be designed and tested as a potential substitute for synthetic composites in the transportation sector.

In finality, this video seeks to provide a new perspective that will encourage more research efforts in this scientific domain especially at the large scale.