COMPOSITE ELEMENT

摘要

A composite element (12) comprises a non-woven web (14) of fibrous material, e.g. filament glass fibers (16), with a substantial number of interstitial spaces or voids (18) which contain a phenolic resin material (20) having a chemical flame retardant (22) therein. Additionally, the composite element (12) comprises a scrim layer (24) of woven cloth or coarsely woven, grid-like scrim which may also contain filament glass fibers (26) as a strengthening element. The scrim layer (24) is impregnated with a phenolic resin (28). A thin layer of polymeric film (30) acts as an air impermeable barrier. A layer of metallic film (32) can be included to render the composite element (12) impermeable and to reflect heat. The composite element (12) in the presence of fire has levels of heat release, flammability, smoke release and toxic gas release below predetermined levels considered suitable for use within the passenger compartment of a commercial aircraft.