Graphene and Nanocomposite Flame-Resistant Materials
topic
Graphene and carbon nanotube nanocomposites incorporated into textile fibre matrices and coating systems are investigated for structural firefighting applications from their combination of high thermal conductivity for heat spreading, radiant heat absorption, and mechanical reinforcement of polymer fibre composites, with graphene-coated aramid fabrics demonstrating improved radiant heat resistance and mechanical properties in research studies while presenting processing scale-up and health and safety challenges for industrial manufacturing.
Role
Represents a materials innovation pathway for improving thermal protective performance through nanostructured additives that modify the radiative and conductive heat transfer properties of conventional aramid fabrics without requiring replacement of the proven fibre systems, with graphene integration potentially enabling lighter fabric constructions achieving equivalent TPP to current heavier fabrics through enhanced barrier properties.