Fire Resistance (FR) Testing of Trimer Resin for Infrastructure & Construction Applications

Lead:

Trimer Technologies

Partners:

University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), SwRI, Technical Fibre Products, Orenco Composites

% cost share:

IACMI: 31%
Industry: 69%

Duration:

September 2022 – October 2023

Problem statement:

Trimer Technologies’ HARP resin was a new material that had not been used in any infrastructure and construction applications to date. This project was used to prove capabilities to expand commercialization opportunities for a polymer that’s non-flammable without additives.

Project goal:

To evaluate the performance of HARP resin from Trimer Technologies in key fire resistance (FR) tests to demonstrate the suitability of this resin for a wide variety of applications in infrastructure and construction (I&C).

Technical approach:

Vacuum infusion was the process of choice for all testing, as this process is viewed as most suitable for the large composite structures involved in I&C.

Outcomes:

Trimer HARP resin-infused laminates easily achieved Class A values in the ASTM E84 testing. Meeting Class A 84 values is important for many applications subject to the International Building Code.
A HARP resin-infused, web-stiffened, cored wall panel was able to achieve a 60 minute ASTM E119 rating, a significant achievement for a relatively low-cost structural composite panel. The design of the wall structure, such as laminate/overall thicknesses, web spacing, core type, and intumescent coating, was important in achieving the 60 minute rating.

Potential impact:

These results indicate that Trimer HARP resin-infused panels have significant opportunities in I&C applications. In the infrastructure area, these applications include bridges (including pedestrian sidewalks), tunnel linings, train/subway station platforms, and heli-/vertiports. Building and construction applications include areas such as industrial equipment buildings, data centers, power distribution buildings, prefabricated balconies, and enclosures for battery power backup systems.