Raphael Ogabi, Brady Manescau, Khaled Chetehouna, Bukola Abiodun, Abdulwasiu, Mohammed Raji, Jeffrey Barminas

Abstract: This study examines the combustion characteristics of green biocomposite materials, specifically flax and banana-reinforced Greenposite composites, under varying heat flux densities (20, 35, and 50 kW/m²). Using the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) method for fabrication, the materials underwent thermal-physical characterization to assess ignition, flame spread, surface temperature, and gas emissions. Findings indicate that these biocomposites display unique thermal behaviors at different scales; flax-based composites showed better thermal properties at a medium scale, whereas banana-based composites exhibited better performance at a large scale. This research underscores the size-dependent thermal properties of bio-sourced materials and contributes to understanding their fire performance. The study highlighted the size-dependent nature of bio-sourced material thermal properties. This research contributes valuable insights into the fire performance of bio-sourced composites, addressing critical aspects of materials.

Keywords: Green biocomposites, VARTM, NexGen Burner, Cone calorimeter, Thermal properties, Fire safety.

Date Published: June 24, 2024
DOI: 10.11159/jffhmt.2024.013

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