Fire resistance is a critical performance factor for composite building materials used in façades, wall panels, structural components, and interior systems. The ability of a composite to resist ignition, limit flame spread, reduce heat release, and maintain structural integrity during a fire is largely determined by two core elements: fiber type and resin system.
Fire resistance is a critical performance indicator for composite materials used in construction, transportation, electrical insulation, marine engineering, and industrial equipment. As composites increasingly replace traditional metals and wood, understanding how to accurately measure and effectively improve their fire resistance has become essential for manufacturers, designers, and procurement professionals.
Sheet Molding Compound and Bulk Molding Compound are two widely used fiber-reinforced composite materials in industrial manufacturing. Both belong to the thermoset composite family and share similar raw material systems, yet they differ significantly in form, processing behavior, mechanical performance, and fire-resistance characteristics.
Polymer composites are increasingly important in modern construction due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication. However, one of the most critical performance requirements in construction applications is fire safety.
Composite materials play a critical role in construction, electrical engineering, transportation, and industrial equipment. Among them, SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic, commonly known as fiberglass) are two widely used solutions.
Fire safety has become a critical consideration across construction, transportation, energy, and industrial manufacturing. As regulations tighten and performance expectations increase, composite materials have emerged as a key solution for fire-resistant applications.
G10 and fiberglass are often mentioned together because they belong to the same family of composite laminate materials. However, they are not exactly the same. Fiberglass is the broader category, while G10 is a specific grade within this family.
The drive toward sustainable, high-performance materials has pushed research and industry to increasingly seek fire-resistant biocomposites. In recent years, significant progress has been made in overcoming the intrinsic flammability of natural fibers and bio-based polymers. Below, I summarize the key advances, new strategies, challenges, and industrial relevance.
When comparing composite materials for manufacturing, automotive parts, electrical components, construction structures, or industrial covers, Sheet Molding Compound and traditional fiberglass reinforced plastics are two of the most widely used options. Many buyers want to understand their mechanical strength differences to make informed decisions.
Understanding the differences between G10 and FR4 is important for engineers, manufacturers, and buyers working with composite laminates in electrical insulation, structural components, or industrial equipment.
