Pyrolysis model for multiple compositions of a glass reinforced unsaturated polyester composite

This work describes the application of a parameter determination methodology to complicated multicomponent systems with a focus on developing pyrolysis models that can predict fire response as a function of the material composition. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, microscale combustion calorimetry, an absorption coefficient measurement, and radiation-driven gasification experiments were conducted on fiberglass reinforced unsaturated polyester composites comprised of various ratios of matrix to reinforcement phases to fully parameterize the pyrolysis model. A single set of properties was defined for each of the reinforcement and matrix phases and the properties were validated against experimental data collected outside the model calibration conditions. This study demonstrated the ability of a pyrolysis model, parameterized through a systematic methodology, to produce pyrolyzate gas production rate predictions for the composites to within 20% of the experimental measurements and emphasized the implications for the use of pyrolysis models in the design of composites. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 47697.